351: Resistance Reboot

351: Resistance Reboot

From This Week in Microbiology by Vincent Racaniello

March 6, 2026 · 59 min · Episode 351

About this episode

The episode discusses innovative methods for combating foodborne pathogens and antibiotic resistance using bacteriophage technology and gene drives.

TWiM discusses the use of bacteriophage-loaded microneedle patches for targeted and minimally disruptive foodborne pathogen decontamination, and a conjugal gene drive-like system that efficiently suppresses antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Become a patron of TWiM. Links for this episode: Bacteriophage-loaded microneedle patches for food (Sci Adv) Gene drive to suppress antibiotic resistance (npj antimicrob and resistance) CRISPR gene drives (Syntego) Bier laboratory Music used on TWiM is composed and performed by Ronald Jenkees and used with permission. Send your microbiology questions and comments to twim@microbe.tv

People in this episode

Host: Vincent Racaniello

Topics covered

  • bacteriophage
  • microneedle patches
  • foodborne pathogens
  • antibiotic resistance
  • gene drive
  • CRISPR

Keywords

  • bacteriophage
  • microneedle patches
  • foodborne pathogens
  • antibiotic resistance
  • gene drive
  • CRISPR
  • decontamination

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bier laboratory, Sci Adv, npj antimicrob and resistance, Syntego

Books & works: Music used on TWiM

More episodes of This Week in Microbiology

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the This Week in Microbiology podcast page.