In Our Time
Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
‘In Our Time’ is a BBC radio 4 discussion programme, hosted by Melvyn Bragg. It covers a variety of interesting subjects, inviting experts in their field to discuss such topics as science, history, and philosophy, among other things. They can be accessed as podcasts.
One recent podcast discussed bacteriophages, usually referred to as phages. Bacteriophages are bacteria eaters and were discovered in the early 20th century, although it had been observed in 1896 that ‘something’ unspecified, had effected antibacterial action against cholera in India.
Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically target bacteria and are the most abundant life form on earth. They are found in the depths of the ocean, in the soil and in the human gut and in countless other places. They outnumber bacterial cells in the order of 10 to 1. For example, there are one trillion bacteriophages for every grain of sand in the world.
About five million people die from bacterial infection every year, and it is estimated that that number will rise to ten million by 2050. That is only twenty-six years away.
Maybe phages will be the answer to antimicrobial resistance. There is more information here.
So are they helpful or harmful? Interesting post.
ReplyDeletePotentially extremely helpful - research is ongoing.
DeleteThat is amazing...I am off to read!
ReplyDeleteThese are the things that should be in the forefront of news reporting.
DeleteI hope some scientists are looking into them, they seem like a good thing to know more about.
ReplyDeleteResearch continues, but it's intricate and time-consuming. It should be prioritised, in my opinion.
DeleteHooray for programmes like 'In Our Time'!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
I like this programme, and 'Life Scientific' - there's always more to learn.
DeleteThe last time I read about bacteriophage is when I used to study microbiology in uni. There are hardly any advances in application of this though
ReplyDeleteI think quite a lot of research is being undertaken. It takes so long before new treatments can be used, rightly so, for they must be shown to be safe.
DeleteYou find the most fascinating things! The model is extraordinary! Quite a sobering thought on those statistics. I have heard as much over here. Well, touching wood we all stay healthy and the scientists will find a way. Lots of stumbling blocks out there unfortunately but I live in hope. Thank you for the link also.
ReplyDeleteI thought the model had a beauty all of its own.
DeleteA potential alternative to antibiotics?
ReplyDeleteYes, but they are much more specific than antibiotics.
DeleteVery interesting I sort of remember being told about these when I training to be a nurse in the 60s.
ReplyDeleteThey have been known about for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that I read about phage treatment as a last resort against antibiotic resistant infections some time ago, but haven't seen anything in a while.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating topic, I'd never heard of bacteriophages ... xxx
ReplyDeleteClever stuff and totally new to me too. xx
ReplyDeleteYou do find some very interesting topics.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the link.
All the best Jan