Antibacterial material restores the efficacy of antibiotics against resistant infections
Research from Chalmers shows that resistant bacteria can regain susceptibility to antibiotics when the treatment is combined with a material equipped with antibacterial peptides. The study shows that antibiotics can achieve a 64-fold increase in effect when used together with the material.
High school students contribute to the fight against antibiotic resistance
High school students Marie Forsberg and Emilia Risberg who turned to Chalmers University of Technology to find a supervisor for their final high school project. Now they are exploring how to use UV light as an antibacterial aid in healthcare - and thereby combat antibiotic resistance.
Easy-to-use tools for the detection of antibiotic resistance
The need for easy-to-use tools to identify and prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance is great. A step on the way is a new research project in collaboration between Chalmers University of Technology and Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania.
Previously unknown antibiotic resistance widespread among bacteria
A new study, from Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg, shows that bacteria in almost all environments carry resistance genes, with a risk of them spreading and aggravating the problem of bacterial infections that are untreatable with antibiotics.
Current research on antimicrobial resistance
Tiny gold radiators fry bacteria on implants
In the fight against antibiotic resistance, a new technology developed at Chalmers University of Technology, in Sweden, can be of great importance when, for example, hip and knee implants are surgically inserted. By heating up small nanorods of gold with near-infrared light (NIR), the bacteria are killed, and the surface of the implant becomes sterile. The researchers are now presenting a new study that increases the understanding of how the gold rods are affected by light and how the temperature in them can be measured.
Graphene spike mat and fridge magnet technology to fight against antibiotic resistance
With strong bactericidal properties, graphene has the potential to become a game changer in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. So far there have been no efficient ways to control these properties – and thus no way to make use of graphene’s potential in healthcare. Now researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, in Sweden, have solved the problem by using the same technology found in an ordinary fridge magnet. The result of which, is an ultra-thin acupuncture-like surface that can act as a coating on catheters and implants – killing 99.99 percent of all bacteria on a surface.
Bacterial defence mechanisms targeted for treatment
In addition to the urgent need for new antibiotics, alternative strategies are required to tackle the problem of antibiotic resistance. Michaela Wenzel, Associate Professor at Chalmers University of Technology, is investigating bacterial defences against external stress to make these a target for efficient antibiotic treatments.
New spray fights infections and antibiotic resistance
The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks antibiotic resistance as one of the top ten threats to global health. There is therefore a great need for new solutions to tackle resistant bacteria and reduce the use of antibiotics. A group of researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden are now presenting a new spray that can kill even antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and that can be used for wound care and directly on implants and other medical devices.
Reducing antibiotic use in farm animals adds value to biorefineries
Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest societal challenges globally today and needs to be addressed at different levels. Researchers at Chalmers are starting a project to improve microbial probiotics and prebiotics, from leftover biomass of the bioindustry, to decrease the risk of infections in farm animals. By improving the protection power of these microbes, the use of antibiotics can be decreased, and value is added to existing processes for bioproduction.
New AI diagnostics can help prevent the spread of resistant bacteria
Antibiotic resistance is a serious global threat to public health. Anna Johnning and Erik Kristiansson at the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg, are researching new ways to detect and map resistant bacteria and prevent their spread.
Cut and stretch assay reveals resistance genes
Which antimicrobial resistance genes are present in bacteria, for example in a hospital ward? For laboratories with limited financial resources characterizing bacterial DNA is difficult, as this often requires expensive equipment. Researchers at Chalmers have now developed a method that can detect specific bacterial genes that encode resistance using standard microscopes, which are already used to diagnose tuberculosis in low-income countries.
Boost for Chalmers' research on antibiotics resistance
Antibiotics resistance poses a serious threat to global public health and is sometimes referred to as a silently ongoing pandemic. Chalmers is now enhancing its research in the field through three project grants, all linked to the Center for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg.
The canary in the coal mine – his research predicts future resistance threats
Antibiotic resistance is a growing global threat to public health and modern medicine. In Johan Bengtsson-Palme’s research group, efforts are focused on identifying new forms of resistance to prevent them from spreading in society.
More on the subject
Health Engineering
Sustainable solutions to major health-related societal challenges, in close collaboration with the healthcare sector.
Find the expert
At Chalmers University of Technology, there are several researches who can answer questions related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
CARe
CARe - Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg - collaborative research centre that studies antibiotic resistance on a global scale.
World AMR Awareness Week
Read more about the awareness week on the WHO website.