'Curious Conversations' podcast: Bryan Hsu talks about the role of bacteriophages in the gut
Bryan Hsu joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about bacteriophages, commonly called phages. He explained their role in the gut microbiome, their potential in phage therapy, and the potential as a tool against antibiotic resistance. Hsu also broke down how phages interact with bacteria, their dual nature as both beneficial and harmful, and the innovative ways researchers are engineering phages for therapeutic use.
Takeaways
Phages are viruses that naturally infect bacteria and are abundant in the gut microbiome.
Phages are being explored as an alternative to antibiotics, especially related to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Phages can be engineered to produce therapeutic proteins and help better deliver drugs to the lower gastrointestinal tract.
About Hsu
Bryan Hsu is an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and an affiliate of the Fralin Life Sciences Institute. His research broadly focuses on using an interdisciplinary approach toward understanding and remodeling the gut microbiota with a special focus on discovering new phages and genetically engineering them for anti-bacterial and anti-virulence applications.
Learn more
Bacteria’s mysterious viruses can fan flames of antibiotic damage
Biologists transform gut bacteria into tiny protein pharmacies
New period product offers progress in women’s health
About the podcast
"Curious Conversations" is a series of free-flowing conversations with Virginia Tech researchers that take place at the intersection of world-class research and everyday life. Produced and hosted by Travis Williams, assistant director of marketing and communications for the Office of Research and Innovation, university researchers share their expertise and motivations as well as the practical applications of their work in a format that more closely resembles chats at a cookout than classroom lectures. New episodes are shared each Tuesday.