Characterizing Artistic Bacterial Cells Attributes as New Approach to Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness through Soft Toys Design

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasitic microorganisms lose their capacity to respond to antibiotics, making infections more difficult to treat. As a result, disease transmission, severe sickness, and death will increase. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health and development threat, and urgent multi-sectoral action is required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The World Health Organization has named AMR one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. Antimicrobial misuse and abuse are the leading causes of drug-resistant infections. Science is increasingly being communicated to the general public through the arts. Tracking new methodologies, such as community-engaged learning and challenges and goals, can help build metrics for attaining more meaningful outcomes and measuring the success of arts-based scientific communication in raising awareness and influencing public policy. This project aims to create a medium – ‘Designed Soft -toys Character’ with the elements of ‘cuteness’ that conveys critical information, tells complicated stories about the interaction between bacteria and antibiotics and raises awareness about the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant diseases through QR code information. By investigating avenues that connect science and society, we are confident that this project will surely assist in breaking down communication barriers between research scientists and the general public of all ages.