Isabel Henriques, researcher at the University of Coimbra’s Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), is the guest speaker at the next Pontos nos iii – Science Beer Talks. The session, titled Invisible Rafts: The Role of Microplastics in the Spread of Disease and Antibiotic Resistance, will be held on 21 May at the UC Exploratório – Centro Ciência Viva.
Antibiotic resistance is widely regarded as one of the most pressing global health threats of our time. It undermines the effectiveness of treatments for common infections and poses a serious risk to critical medical procedures, such as surgeries, chemotherapy and organ transplants. Every year, more than 1.27 million people die as a direct result of antibiotic resistance, which is more than the number of deaths caused by HIV/AIDS or malaria.
Another major challenge we face is the contamination of ecosystems by microplastics — tiny particles of plastic measuring less than five millimetres. Recent studies, including some conducted in Portuguese rivers, have shown that these particles are frequently colonised by antibiotic-resistant bacteria that form biofilms on their surfaces, enhancing their ability to survive and spread in the environment.
Launched in 2016, Pontos nos iii – Science Beer Talks offers science outreach in an informal, engaging setting. The talk series is a collaboration between the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research of the University of Coimbra (IIIUC) and Praxis Brewery, featuring monthly talks held on the third Wednesday of each month, from 6 to 7 pm.
Translation: Diana Taborda [DCM | UC]