Antibiotic-resistant pathogens have been spreading further and further for decades. To counter this trend, new active substances with resistance-breaking properties are urgently needed. In their search for such substances, researchers at HIPS are focusing, among other things, on myxobacteria. These soil-dwelling microorganisms produce natural compounds with antibacterial effects, which they use to kill other bacteria and utilize as a food source. It is precisely these molecules that will subsequently serve as the basis for the development of new drugs to treat infections.
The MYXO-MAT-3000 demonstrates how the search for such active ingredients works. The exhibit resembles a laboratory glove box. Through three interactive elements, visitors can “dig” through a mixture of colorful balls and plush myxobacteria. On an integrated screen, they first select one of five notorious problem pathogens and receive brief background information on the respective pathogen. Then the search begins for a suitable myxobacterium that can be used to combat the selected pathogen: Found “Myxos” are placed in an analysis area, where lasers, fog effects, and interactive animations bring the atmosphere of modern drug discovery to life. Those who discover the correct drug candidate receive a voucher at the end with an invitation to participate in the HIPS citizen science project “microbelix”.
For HIPS, participating in the MS Wissenschaft is not the first collaboration with the exhibition ship. The institute was already part of the tour with an exhibit in 2022. The complete route of the MS Wissenschaft, including all dates and stops, is available on the project’s website.
