6 things to know about the Small World Initiative Project

Jonathan Laczniak/Iowa State Daily

Junior in biology Emma Johnson and freshman in food science Eric Hollenback inspect soil samples to isolate colonies from the soil to test if they are antimicrobial for their microbiology 302L class. The class is working with the Small World Initiative to find solutions for antibacterial resistance. 

Kelly Schiro
October 2, 2014

  1. The Small World Initiative is looking for super-microbes to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  2. ISU is one of 46 partners around the world participating in the project.
  3. One potential super-microbe has been found in South Florida and is being discussed with pharmaceutical companies.
  4. SMI gives students the freedom to collect their own samples and create their own experiments.
  5. The hope is that students use critical thinking in the lab to gain a better understanding of microbiology
  6. Super-microbes can be found anywhere, maybe even ISU!