Antibiotics

I think investing in research into the most efficient methods of reducing the spread of disease-causing organisms, as described in the StatNews article by Helen Braswell, would be a beneficial step to take in combating pathogens. Braswell makes mention that studies about which type of sink would best limit proliferation and infection from biofilm bacteria is necessary. But beyond that, I believe increasing government funding of public health research, public initiatives, and awareness campaigns across the board is crucial for gaining more insight into the problems we face and finding potential solutions faster. The CDC press release discussing the threat of “superbugs” in hospitals indicated that they also considered this a priority, and had sought and gained additional funding from congress in 2016. Another step I think needs to be taken is reducing or eliminating of "preventive" antibiotics in livestock and crops, as described in the Berkeley article. The other strategies detailed in that article are also necessary, but I think are applicable to an individual’s behaviors. In contrast, the agricultural and meat industries are obviously massive and far-reaching, and the impact their practices can have on the general public is immense. Having unnecessary antibiotics in the food people eat will only add to the problem of antibiotic resistance.