The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $1,500,000 Project Grant under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to study the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in microbial communities. The research will investigate how heavy metal pollution affects the horizontal gene transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes within the environment, particularly in a historically contaminated area of Birmingham, Alabama. The project aims to observe these gene transfer events in the lab using a specialized membrane system and collect environmental samples to quantify the presence of resistance genes. Computational modeling will also be employed to understand the potential sources of the resistance genes, whether from human, agricultural, or environmental pollution sources. This research is intended to provide scientific insights into the mechanisms driving the spread of antibiotic resistance, which poses a significant public health threat globally. The award duration is from March 15, 2025 to February 28, 2029.
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