Microbial Findings in Our Backyard
Abstract
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated Superbugs killed 35,000 people in the U.S. each year. Certain bacteria are now immune to antibiotics as patients are abusing their power of treatment. Antibiotic resistance is a big issue today as scientists look for alternate solutions to help this worldwide outbreak. Superbugs are a major problem in our society as students and instructors strive for a solution in Small World and Tiny Earth for a cure. Tiny Earth and Small World is a network of instructors and students that focus on antibiotic discovery from soil-based experiments. The programs help inspire students to pursue a career in science. As well as it aims at the threat of the global issue which is diminishing the supply of effective antibiotics. I believe we can make a difference with this experiment as we are conducting our own experiments. By digging up our own soil at Penn State Schuylkill and using aseptic technique to choose interesting microbes to test against different bacteria. Several series of dilutions were performed, and many bacteria were chosen by the pick and patch plating on Nutrient Agar. Students picked the most interesting bacteria in the plates and were re-grown in numerous environments. A series of biochemical tests, selective and differential media tests were performed to determine characteristics of the bacteria from the soil. I believe as researchers; we can experiment on soil and help this global threat of reducing the spread of antibiotics.
Poster
Micro Poster Alyssa Campomizzi
Presentation Slides
MIcrobiology Presentation Alyssa Campomizzi (1)
For Alyssa’s presentation, please download the PowerPoint and follow along with the Zoom.