Naked Science Forum

On the Lighter Side => Science Experiments => Topic started by: Berrybird on 03/02/2015 12:41:39

Title: Bacteria and antibiotics
Post by: Berrybird on 03/02/2015 12:41:39

Hello!
 I have a few questions about an experiment I would like to do. I want to see how a certain bacteria builds resistance to antibiotics. I have never done an experiment by my self ever before, so I am not too clear with where I should begin. I am planning to grow a colony then apply the amount of antibiotics that would barely keep the colony alive. Then, I would wait till the colony regrows, then apply even more antibiotics than before.

 These are the problems: Am I, a high school student, allowed to handle antibiotics?
What bacteria would be ideal?(no harm to humans and alike)
Is it dangerous to create a bacteria that has stronger resistance to a certain antibiotics?
 
Thank you!

Title: Re: Bacteria and antibiotics
Post by: Colin2B on 04/03/2015 22:59:12

Quote from: Berrybird on 03/02/2015 12:41:39

Is it dangerous to create a bacteria that has stronger resistance to a certain antibiotics?

I'm not a biologist, but your method sounds reasonable.
It doesn't seem a good idea to create even more antibiotic resistant bacteria.

See http://www.science-projects.com/safemicrobes.htm for a list of suitable subjects for high school projects. Note the decontamination section.

You might be able to see what effect various levels of anti microbial hand gel have on various microbes and whether resistance could build up.

Hope you find a suitable project.
Have fun!