Embedded Files
Addressing Antibiotic Resistance
Students used primary literature to identify a research question and hypothesis that they used to choose a local soil sample to perform experiments about antibiotic resistance. The data generated from these experiments were reviewed and entered into the antimicrobial resistance database maintained by Tufts University.
The World Health Organization recognizes antibiotic resistance as one of the top global public health threats. Goal 2 of the current National Action Plan recommends strengthening screening for antibiotic resistance. Students contribute to this goal by using environmental DNA extraction and PCR methodology to screen local soil samples for antibiotic resistance genes.
Sample Student Data in the Antibiotic Resistance Database at Tuft's University
Feedback from Dr. Bascom-Slack, Tufts University School of Medicine, about student data in the antibiotic resistance database
What amazing work your students are doing! I am impressed that high school level students are engaging so thoughtfully with the research project. We don’t see tetB very often so I would be interested to know what site produced that result. Indeed I believe there is evidence that heavy metal resistance genes tend to cluster with antibiotic resistance genes, so that was an astute observation by your students. The identification in treated wastewater helps to highlight the fact that treatment removes bacterial contaminants, but can leave behind traces of the antibiotics themselves, which in turn can form a future selective pressure for growth of resistant microbes e.g. when used in irrigation. Manure from animals treated with antibiotics will have high levels of resistant microbes. If this manure is used as fertilizer, it creates a perfect storm if the crops are also irrigated with water containing antibiotics. While your students’ data alone is obviously not proof of this cycle, it certainly is representative of the greater problem and creates a great teaching opportunity to explain and illustrate the one health concept.
I’m thrilled to have your group participating in PARE and they certainly provide a model for other high schools!
Student Learning Outcomes
Skills
Using biology to address societal challenge
Using primary literature to formulate research question and hypothesis
Experiment design-thinking, implementation and troubleshooting
Data analysis
Incorporation of professional feedback
Presentation
Subject Knowledge
Evolution, molecular biology, biotechnology and public health
Techniques
DNA extraction: microcentrifuge-based affinity and ion-exchange chromatography
PCR, primer design and gel electrophoresis
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