There is an emerging threat to global health that you need to learn about—they go by the name superbugs. What happens when germs become immortal? Just as we develop immunity, strains of germs are gradually becoming resistant to the antibiotics we have available, creating a new and dangerous class of germs. According to researchers at Texas A&M University, the term superbugs refers to strains of bacteria that are antibiotic-resistant. This presents a serious threat, as it leaves us powerless against illnesses caused by these pathogens, potentially leading to severe disease and even death. While most superbugs originate from bacterial strains, an increasing number of fungal germs are also developing resistance to existing medical treatments.

Not only will these pathogens affect our immediate health, but our food sources, such as crops and meat, are also susceptible to infection. This presents a major threat to food accessibility and safety, especially since there are already existing issues, such as the Bird Flu, which has been affecting the egg supply. 

According to physician Howard Dean in Scientific American, these pathogen strains—mostly bacteria—took the lives of 1.27 million people in 2019, and they are on the path to claiming 39 million lives by 2050. The urgent need for new antibiotics has never been greater.

There are several potential solutions to this crisis, one of which is the development of new antibiotics. However, despite seeming like a straightforward solution, antibiotic development requires extensive time and financial investment, and only a limited number of companies are currently engaged in this research. In light of this hindrance, there is a bill called the Pasteur Act that the US government is passing to provide more funding for the research and development of new antibiotics and antimicrobial drugs.

Furthermore, researchers at Texas A&M University have found that the use of curcumin, which is found in turmeric, could be a potential tool in fighting antibiotic resistance. Their research indicates that feeding curcumin to the bacteria can trigger internal reactions that cause them to die. Additionally, treating the bacterial strains with curcumin makes existing antibiotics more effective in treating the pathogens. If further research confirms these findings and determines practical methods of administering curcumin, it could represent a groundbreaking advancement in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

At an individual level, you can help combat antibiotic resistance by only consuming antibiotics when indicated by a medical professional and not consuming them when unnecessary, as this can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance. 

The rise of superbugs poses a serious threat to global health, requiring urgent action to find possible solutions and alternatives. If nothing is done to prevent the spread and growth of these superbugs, they will become an even larger threat to global health. Further research is essential to solve this issue, which will affect everyone.