Five Female Researchers Awarded L’Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science Fellowships 2024
Five early-career researchers from Australia and New Zealand have been awarded the 2024 L’Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science fellowships, highlighting the importance of gender diversity in STEM. This recognition underscores the critical contributions of women in science, as they tackle pressing global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and climate change. With ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, the future of women in science looks promising.
New Study Calls for Broader Screening of Superbugs in Hospitals
A new study from Mount Sinai Brooklyn Hospital advocates for enhanced screening protocols for Candida auris, a dangerous superbug. Published in the American Journal of Infection Control, the research highlights the importance of screening all patients, not just high-risk individuals, to improve early detection and prevent the spread of drug-resistant infections in healthcare settings.
The Alarming Rise of Antibiotic Resistance and Its Public Health Implications
Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to public health, with resistance rates for key antibiotics surging from 16% in 2001 to 44% in 2020. This alarming trend poses severe health risks and contributes to an estimated 1.3 million deaths annually. Immediate action is crucial to address this crisis and develop innovative solutions for effective treatment.
Global Health Alarm: Rising Antimicrobial Resistance Threatens Public Health, Especially in Africa
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis, particularly affecting Africa, where it accounted for 21% of global AMR-related deaths in 2019. The misuse of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture is driving this alarming trend, complicating treatments for diseases like tuberculosis and increasing mortality rates. Urgent action is needed to promote responsible antimicrobial use, enhance healthcare access, and invest in new treatments to combat this pressing issue.
CDC Reports 20% Rise in Antimicrobial-Resistant Infections in Hospitals
A recent CDC report reveals a concerning 20% rise in antimicrobial-resistant hospital infections since 2019, highlighting a nearly five-fold increase in Candida auris cases. The healthcare community is urged to enhance antibiotic stewardship and advocate for increased federal funding to combat this growing threat to patient safety.
Climate Change Poses Threat to Public Health by Fueling Rise of Antibiotic-Resistant ‘Superbugs’
Climate change is fueling the rise of antibiotic-resistant ‘superbugs,’ posing a significant threat to public health. Efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance are crucial, with world leaders set to discuss the impact of climate change on AMR at the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting. The interconnected nature of the climate crisis further complicates the challenge of addressing AMR, emphasizing the critical need for proactive measures.
Experts Call for Global Genomic Surveillance System to Prevent Future Pandemics
Experts are advocating for a global genomic surveillance system to prevent future pandemics by utilizing real-time sequencing to track the spread of new diseases. Whole genome sequencing is highlighted as crucial for swiftly identifying and responding to emerging health threats, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Universal access to real-time surveillance is emphasized as a proactive measure for global health security.
Study Reveals Superbug Risk in Hospital Sinks
Hospitals are grappling with the presence of drug-resistant bacteria, particularly in sinks, as highlighted by a recent study on superbugs. The study focused on a ‘multispecies outbreak’ of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) in a paediatric ward, underscoring the challenges of combating these drug-resistant superbugs in healthcare settings.
Webinar on Bacteriophages and AMR One Health Perspective
Learn about the upcoming webinar on the broader use of bacteriophages from an AMR One Health perspective, featuring distinguished speakers and focusing on opportunities and challenges associated with the application of bacteriophages for human health. Register now to gain insights into this crucial topic.
New Research Project Targets ECF-T Transport Protein to Starve Resistant Bacteria
New research project aims to develop novel active substances to combat antimicrobial resistance. Prof. Anna Hirsch and her team at the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland have identified a potential target structure, the transport protein ECF-T, which could be disrupted by new drugs to starve resistant bacteria. This approach could lead to the development of effective antibiotics that address previously unused target structures in pathogens.