Charting the Course for Bacteriocin Outreach

Presenter

Merin Ellie Thomas

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Margaret Riley, Department of Biology, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board C19, Poster Showcase Room (163), Row 2 (C11-C20) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

One of the greatest advances of the 20th century was the discovery and spread of antibiotics. Yet, the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) stands to challenge this leap forward. In other words, if modern medicine is a monument to human achievement, we are watching one of its most important pillars collapse. Bacteriocins, a class of specialized proteins with antimicrobial properties, have risen as one of the potential solutions to the mounting AMR crisis. However — as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic — information dissemination about new treatments to public health challenges may become overwhelmingly rushed. In the scramble of crisis, communication is often rife with false or misleading claims. The rise of these “infodemics” can be a major barrier to bridging the gap between medical knowledge and general application (La Bella et al., 2021). In this study, I aimed to survey the current knowledge base surrounding bacteriocins and contemporary science communication. This was achieved through literature reviews on each focus area, complemented by expert interviews. This study resulted in a central knowledge base on existing bacteriocin literature, as well as the understanding that social media plays a large role in the dissemination of scientific information in the modern age. In all, this study bridged the gap between expert knowledge on bacteriocins with contemporary science communication models. This will provide invaluable in the near-future creation of multimedia educational materials, including modules, videos, and artwork, that can be used to educate the general public on bacteriocins and their applications.

Keywords

Antibiotic Resistance, Science Communication, Public Health Communication, Microbiology, Novel Treatments

Research Area

Public Health and Epidemiology

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