What if contamination control wasn’t just about cleanrooms and SOPs, but about mindset, design, and scientific curiosity?

Pharma Now × Pharmig proudly present this knowledge-packed session featuring two industry powerhouses: Professor Tim Sandle and Manish Bhatkar. If you work in pharmaceutical microbiology, sterile manufacturing, or quality assurance, this is a must-watch deep dive into the evolving landscape of contamination control 

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)

Synthetic compound shows promise against multidrug resistance

Image: Antimicrobials, by Tim Sandle

Antimicrobial resistance directly causes more than 1 million deaths every year and contributes to more than 35 million more, according to the World Health Organization. Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus sp., 2 gram-positive pathogens highly likely to develop resistance to known treatments, can cause dangerous hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections.

Researchers have described a newly synthesised compound called Infuzide that shows activity against antimicrobial-resistant strains of S. aureus and Enterococcus in laboratory and mouse tests.

In addition, the findings suggest that Infuzide kills bacteria in ways that differ from other antimicrobials, which may help keep resistance at bay.

Infuzide (C17H14N4O4)

Infuzide emerged from more than a decade of work by interdisciplinary researchers looking for ways to create compounds that could act against pathogens in ways similar to known pharmaceutical compounds. Those include hydrazones, inorganic synthesised compounds that previous studies have shown to demonstrate antibacterial activity, including against resistant strains. The researchers synthesised 17 new compounds that contained hydrazones, and among those Infuzide showed activity against gram-positive S. aureus and Enterococcus.

The researchers found that Infuzide specifically attacks bacterial cells. In lab tests, they compared the antimicrobial effects of Infuzide against vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic that represents the standard of care in treating resistant infections. They found that Infuzide more quickly and effectively reduced the size of bacterial colonies than the standard drug. In tests of resistant S. aureus infections on the skin of mice, the compound effectively reduced the bacterial population. The reduction was even higher, the researchers reported, when infuzide was combined with linezolid, a synthetic antibiotic.

Infuzide did not show significant activity against Gram-negative pathogens, though Baltas said the group is looking for small changes to Infuzide that might expand its antimicrobial activity.

The researchers synthesised the compounds without the need of solvents, which can be expensive and environmentally hazardous. The simplicity of the chemical reactions, Baltas said, would make it easy to make large quantities to be used in new treatments.

Reference:

Rahul Maitra, Deepanshi Saxena, Abdul Akhir, Anna Kapusterynska, Michel Baltas, Sidharth Chopra. Comprehensive biological evaluation of infuzide as a potent antimicrobial, alone and in combination with gentamicin, linezolid, and minocycline targeting MDR Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus sp.. Microbiology Spectrum, 2025; DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00279-25 

  

Understanding microbial air samplers

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)

The Science of Sweating During a Workout

 Soccer (image by Tim Sandle)

Ever finished a great workout and felt that satisfying, albeit slightly sticky, sheen of sweat? It’s a universal sign of hard work, a badge of honor for pushing your body. But have you ever stopped to wonder what’s actually happening when you sweat and why it’s so crucial for your body?

Sweating is your body's built-in air conditioning system. When you start moving and your muscles get to work, they generate heat. This raises your internal body temperature. Your brain, specifically the hypothalamus, gets a signal that things are heating up and tells your sweat glands to get to work. As sweat, which is mostly water with small amounts of salt and other minerals, evaporates from your skin, it cools you down. This process, known as thermoregulation, is essential to prevent overheating. Understanding the science behind this process can make your next workout even more effective.

 

More Than Just Water

 

While sweat is primarily water, it's not just that. It also contains electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride. This is why it's so important to rehydrate properly after a strenuous workout, not just with water, but sometimes with drinks that contain electrolytes to replenish what you've lost. The amount you sweat and the composition of your sweat can vary depending on factors like genetics, fitness level, and even what you've eaten. Interestingly, people who are more physically fit tend to sweat more and earlier in their workouts. This is a sign that their body's cooling system has become more efficient.

 

The Benefits Go Beyond Cooling

 

While its primary function is to cool you down, sweating has other benefits as well. It can help to open up your pores, which can release buildup and potentially improve the health of your skin. Some studies suggest that sweat contains antimicrobial peptides that can help fight off bacteria on your skin's surface. To learn more about the composition and benefits of sweat, you can check out this informative article from Healthline.

 

Embrace the Sweat

 

So, the next time you find yourself drenched after a good exercise session, don't shy away from it. It's a sign that your body is working exactly as it should be, keeping you cool and performing at its best. Remember that staying hydrated is key to allowing your body to sweat effectively. For a deeper dive into how sweat works and its importance, the Cleveland Clinic offers a great resource. So go ahead, embrace the sweat, and enjoy the feeling of a workout well done.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for HOTWORX

Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)

What to Know About Scientific Communication

Scientific communication.Image by Tim Sandle

Science is the engine of human progress, but what happens when its groundbreaking discoveries are locked away behind dense jargon and complex data? The most brilliant research in the world means little if it can't be understood, shared, and acted upon. This is where the art and science of communication come into play. It's all about bridging the gap between the laboratory and the public square. At its core, the goal is to make complex findings accessible, a challenge that requires skilled scientific communication. It’s not just about dumbing down data; it’s about translating intricate concepts into clear, engaging, and accurate information for a specific audience.

 

Why Does Clear Communication in Science Matter?

Effective scientific communication is more than just a "nice to have" skill—it’s essential. For researchers, clearly articulating the importance of their work is crucial for securing grants and funding. For the public, it’s the foundation of informed decision-making. Think about the global health crises of the last few years; clear communication from scientists and public health officials was vital for conveying risks and protective measures.

When done right, it empowers people, shapes public policy, and can even save lives. It allows taxpayers to see the value of their investment in research and helps inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. As a PLOS article points out, this exchange of information is fundamental to the scientific process itself, fostering collaboration and preventing the spread of misinformation.

 

The Building Blocks of Great Scientific Communication

So, what does it take to be a great science communicator? It boils down to a few key principles that transform a dense report into a compelling story.

•         Know Your Audience: This is the golden rule. Communicating with fellow PhDs at a conference is completely different from writing a blog post for the general public. Tailoring your language, tone, and level of detail to who you're speaking to is the most critical step.

•         Embrace Simplicity (Without Sacrificing Accuracy): Avoid jargon wherever possible. If a technical term is necessary, explain it immediately in simple terms. Using analogies and relatable examples can work wonders. The goal is to be understood, not to sound impressive.

•         Tell a Story: Humans are wired for stories. Instead of just presenting facts and figures, frame the information in a narrative. What was the problem? What was the journey of discovery? What does this finding mean for the future? A strong narrative makes information more memorable and engaging.

•         Be Honest and Transparent: Great communication involves being upfront about the limitations of a study and what the science doesn't yet know. This builds trust and credibility, which are priceless commodities in the scientific world. For those looking to sharpen these skills, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) offers a toolkit with valuable resources for engaging the public.

Ultimately, scientific communication is the vital link that ensures discovery doesn't happen in a vacuum. It’s a dynamic skill that strengthens public trust, fuels further research, and translates complex data into meaningful progress for everyone.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Med Communications

 

Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)