icrobial resistance to current medical antibiotic cures is becoming a major threat to the general health of people around the world. There are many causes for the rise of resistance among bacteria to agents that up to a few years ago could be used to eliminate them. The purpose of this site, produced for the Harvey Mudd College Introduction to Biology course, is to help spread information on this serious medical problem.
This site is divided into four major sections:
 | What is Bacteria?This section explains the tiny "creatures" that lie at the root of this medical problem. What are they? Why are some bacteria good and others bad? |
 | What are Antibiotics?This section discusses one of the forms of treating bacterial infections in the last few decades: Antibiotics. What is it that these miracle drugs do to kill bacteria? |
 | How does Resistance Occur?This section explians the new threat to our miracle drug. As bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, the resistant strains domintate, spreading resistance. How exactly does this happen? What mechanisms are involved? |
 | How do we Fight Back?This sections deal with potential solutions to the problem. Can the spread of resistance be stopped? Can we find a resistant-proof antibiotic? |