Bloodstream infections can progress rapidly to sepsis—bringing high costs, high mortality, and lasting effects. In the second episode of this series in collaboration with bioMérieux, Luis speaks with Dr. Jeff Cies, Senior Medical Advisor at bioMérieux, about how molecular diagnostics are reshaping bloodstream infection diagnosis.

They discuss:

• Limitations of traditional blood cultures

• How rapid molecular tests deliver results faster than ever

• The impact on outcomes, costs, and antimicrobial resistance

• The role of stewardship programs in maximizing results

• What the future holds: direct-from-blood testing, nanotechnology, and AI

A powerful look at how innovation in microbiology is changing the fight against sepsis and saving lives.

This episode is sponsored by bioMérieux, a global innovator in infectious disease diagnostics.

Resources from this episode:

• bioMérieux Sepsis Webinar

Stay connected with Let’s Talk Micro:

• Website: letstalkmicro.com

• Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com

Support the podcast:

• Venmo

• Buy me a Ko-fi

Brucella is a familiar name in the lab—but recent updates to the sentinel guidelines are reshaping how we approach this pathogen. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Laura Filkins and Dr. Paige Larkin to discuss the latest changes: updates in nomenclature, the removal of certain Brucella species from the select agent list, and the renewed emphasis on safety in the lab. We dive into taxonomy controversies, clinical features of brucellosis, and practical steps laboratorians can take to protect themselves while delivering accurate results. Whether you’re a student, laboratorian, or clinician, this conversation highlights what you need to know about the evolving landscape of Brucella diagnostics and safety.

Resources from this episode:

• CDC’s Brucellosis Information Page
  
  

• ASM Updates on Brucella
  
  

Stay connected with Let’s Talk Micro:

• Website: letstalkmicro.com
  
  

• Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com
  
  

Support the podcast:

• Venmo
  
  

• Buy me a Ko-fi

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to grow as a global health threat, making infections harder to treat and leaving fewer options for patients. The need for new antibiotics is an urgent matter — but traditional discovery methods are slow and limited.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Micro, Luis is joined by Dr. James Collins, professor at MIT and researcher at the Broad Institute, who is leading efforts to apply AI to antibiotic discovery. We discuss how his team used deep learning to uncover promising new compounds, including NG1 and DN1, which showed activity against drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Staphylococcus aureus. We also talk about the challenges of bringing discoveries from computer models to the clinic, and what this approach could mean for the future of the fight against superbugs.

Link to study: https://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674%2825%2900855-4

Check out the website: https://www.letstalkmicro.com/

Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@outlook.com

Want to support the podcast? Here's how:

Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicro

Buy me a Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/letstalkmicro