Adelaide Almeida, CESAM researcher and professor at the Department of Biology, was the guest on the latest episode of the Science Cast podcast, where she shared her scientific journey and the innovative work she has been developing in the field of alternative technologies to conventional antimicrobial methods.
Over the past years, her research has focused on developing new strategies for the inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms, with particular emphasis on phage therapy and photodynamic therapy. These approaches have proven especially promising in clinical, food, agricultural, and aquaculture contexts, showing effectiveness even in situations where conventional methods, such as the use of antibiotics, are no longer effective.
The results obtained by her team demonstrate that these innovative technologies hold great potential for preventing and treating infections, thus helping to address one of today’s major public health challenges — the increasing microbial resistance to antibiotics.
More recently, the researcher has also been exploring the potential of natural plant extracts, assessing their beneficial effects on health, particularly as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agents.
Her participation in Science Cast offers an opportunity to showcase the impact of the research carried out at CESAM and the University of Aveiro, highlighting the role of science in the pursuit of sustainable and effective solutions to global health challenges.
Watch the full interview here: Science Cast – Adelaide Almeida