Integrating New Storylines: Antimicrobial Resistance in Agriculture (and Beyond)

A Decade of Research

Dr. Adina Howe, a researcher at Iowa State University, is concerned about the health of our environment. Since beginning her work at ISU, she and those working in her labs have studied a variety of aspects of local watersheds and water quality. The Howe lab has a passion for learning about what threats to our water bodies exist, and what we can do to mitigate potentially harmful situations. 

Some of her studies focus on the use of innovative strategies to remove nitrates from field runoff water. These investigations often employ the use of ‘woodchip bioreactors’ to house nitrogen- removing bacteria that lower nitrate levels prior to the runoff joining other bodies of water. While these experiments make use of ‘helpful’ bacteria, the labs are also studying the presence of potentially harmful bacteria in our local watersheds. 

The concern is around the presence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in these areas, including livestock systems. Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are those with genetic variations which render them “resistant” to the use of some antibiotics. 

Why does it matter? 

Antimicrobials are used widely in animal production. They improve animal health and animal welfare, and also enhance animal growth rates and raise animal productivity. The use of antimicrobials, however, can lead to the emergence of resistance and the transmission of resistant genes and resistant bacteria between species. 

Access to effective and cost-efficient antimicrobials is critical for human and animal health, animal welfare and food security. The potential consequences of antimicrobial resistance include reduced food production, reduced food security, greater food safety concerns, higher economic losses to farm households, and contamination of the environment. 

The condition of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) develops when potentially harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi no longer respond to medications generally used against them. AMR continues to pose a growing threat to the health of both humans and animals, since infections will linger and spread if the treatments we have for them are no longer effective.

Take a moment to watch our new video that brings the innovative Antimicrobial Resistance K-12 curriculum package to life. This video will not only provide you with insights into how the curriculum was developed but also inspire ideas on how you can integrate these resources into your own classroom settings. It's a fantastic opportunity to see the curriculum's practical applications and how it can engage students in environmental biotechnology, enhancing their learning experiences.

A special "thank you" to our intern, Matt Shafer, for bringing this curriculum package to life!

Dive into the dynamic world of antimicrobial resistance, where the age-old battle between humans and bacteria takes a thrilling twist! Picture this: as we use antibiotics to fight infections, something extraordinary happens. Like characters in an epic saga, bacteria evolve, adapting to these drugs, their new archenemies. This is natural selection in action, reshaping bacteria to survive and thrive in an antibiotic-rich environment.

What's the catch? Over time, with the widespread use of antibiotics, some bacteria morph into superbugs, resistant to our medicinal arsenal. This resistance, born from genetic mutations and nature's selection process, turns once-treatable infections like staph into formidable foes. Picture a race against time, as scientists develop new antibiotics, only for bacteria to outsmart them again.

This relentless tug-of-war means that diseases once easily conquered are resurging, posing new challenges. Imagine a world where simple infections become untreatable threats – that's the reality of unchecked antimicrobial resistance. It's a fascinating, yet daunting reminder of the constant evolution in the microscopic world and our ongoing struggle to keep pace. Welcome to the ever-changing battlefield of biology, where understanding and innovation are our best weapons!