They look like alien spacecrafts under a microscope, but bacteriophages — viruses that infect and kill bacteria — could hold the key to one of the biggest medical challenges of our time: antibiotic resistance. First described more than a century ago, phages became a hot topic of research in the mid-20th century, especially in the Soviet Union, before slipping into obscurity with the rise of antibiotics. Now, with superbugs on the march and antibiotics losing their punch, phages are making a comeback. 

On this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the fascinating history and biology of these tiny viral predators, from the Soviet labs of the Cold War to today’s cutting-edge clinical trials. He explains how phages can target deadly bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, why their extreme specificity is both a blessing and a challenge, and how scientists are now combining phages with antibiotics to create new treatments. With fresh lab techniques making it easier to grow and manipulate phages, the field is buzzing with new potential. 

Expect alien-looking viruses, a dash of Cold War intrigue, and real hope for tackling infections that antibiotics can no longer beat. 

Got a topic you’d like Luke to cover? Email your ideas to laoneill@tcd.ie.