URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Researchers at the U of I have developed a new method to detect antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria—using DNA samples so small, 20,000 of them would weigh less than a grain of sugar.

The technique, called METa assembly, was developed by Terence Crofts, assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences. It allows researchers to study microbial genes without needing large or dense samples, making it especially useful in places like hospitals or aquatic environments where microbes are harder to collect.

“With antibiotic resistance on the rise, it’s more important than ever to understand the full diversity of mechanisms bacteria may be using to inactivate or avoid antibiotics,” Crofts said.

Crofts and his team tested the method on water from Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium and a swab of human stool. Despite the tiny amounts of DNA, they discovered new resistance genes—including some that help bacteria survive drugs once abandoned due to safety concerns.

The research could help medical and environmental scientists get ahead of antibiotic resistance, by spotting dangerous genes before they spread widely.

Crofts now plans to expand the project to agricultural systems, where heavy antibiotic use in livestock may contribute to the spread of resistance.

To learn more about the study, read the full U of I College of ACES press release here.