Small Things, Big Impact: The Science Behind Microbes, Health, and Community Resiliance

Ever wondered why your nose gets blocked during a cold or allergies? It turns out your nose isn’t just reacting—it’s actually communicating. Inside your nose, tiny cells and even bacteria are constantly sending microscopic “message bubbles” to each other. These messages can protect you from infections—but sometimes they go into overdrive, leading to inflammation, mucus, and that all-too-familiar congestion. In this talk, I’ll show you how we recreate a mini version of the nose in the lab to study these hidden conversations. By understanding how these signals work, we hope to find smarter ways to treat sinus problems, allergies, and even loss of smell. So next time your nose is acting up… it might just be trying to tell you something. Come find out what it’s saying!

Beneath the surface of every juicy steak lies an invisible world of microbes. Most are harmless, but some can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Even more concerning are antibiotic-resistant “superbugs,” bacteria that have evolved the ability to survive medicines designed to kill them. The good news is that we are not powerless. We are exploring natural alternatives such as probiotics-beneficial bacteria that help outcompete harmful microbes in animals and humans. These tiny allies may reduce the need for antibiotics and help slow the rise of resistance.Your next steak is more than just dinner-it is a reminder of the hidden microbial world that shapes our health and the importance of keeping food safe from farm to fork.

Still brewing, come check soon!

Still brewing, come check soon!