Antibiotic Resistance: Free Screening of Documentary Film plus a Panel Discussion on March 26

Registration is suggested for guaranteed seating, but is not required. Find more information online here.

A free screening of the documentary film "Resistance" followed by a panel discussion and question-and-answer session featuring the filmmaker and Penn State scientists will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2015, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. in The State Theatre at 130 West College Avenue in State College. The event, intended for a general audience, is hosted by Penn State's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Penn State's Center for Evolutionary Risk Analysis and Mitigation, and is sponsored by Penn State's Eberly College of Science.

The film concerns antibiotic resistance, which is one of the gravest threats to public health. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop genetic mutations that protect them from being killed by antibiotic medicines. The film describes the science, economics, and politics underlying the spread of antibiotic resistance worldwide, and it reveals the role of the individual patient in the spread of antibiotic resistance. Harrowing personal stories, expert insights, and views through the lens of research microscopes propel the documentary as it describes the rise of antibiotic resistance beginning with the mass production of antibiotics 70 years ago, to their looming failure in the 21st century.

Panelists during the discussion following the screening of the film include:

• Penn State Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Michael Mwangi, the discussion moderator
• Filmmaker Michael Graziano
• Penn State Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Kenneth Keiler
• Penn State Evan Pugh Professor of Biology and Entomology and Eberly Professor of Biotechnology Andrew Read
• Penn State Infectious Disease Physician Cynthia Whitener

Registration is suggested for guaranteed seating, but is not required. Unfilled seats will be made available 10 minutes before the event to those who did not preregister. Registration and more information is available online at www.resistancefilmpsu.org.