“Bacteria Adapting Fast” explores the escalating crisis of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a major threat to global health. It delves into the genetic mechanisms that enable bacteria to evolve rapidly, such as mutations and horizontal gene transfer, and how selective pressures, like antibiotic overuse, accelerate this bacterial evolution. A key insight is that resistance isn't random but a predictable outcome of evolutionary processes. This book uniquely integrates evolutionary biology, molecular biology, and ecology to provide a comprehensive view.
Did you know widespread antibiotic use in agriculture contributes significantly to resistance?
Or that resistance genes can spread rapidly between different bacterial species? The book examines the history of antibiotic development, core concepts in genetics, and natural selection, building a foundation for understanding the challenges.
The book progresses through three key areas: the genetic basis of resistance, the selective pressures driving resistance, and the future of antibiotics. By understanding the science of bacterial adaptation, readers, including students, researchers, and healthcare professionals, can contribute to strategies for combating this urgent public health issue.
