superbugs, H1B visas, and bingeing on nostalgia

#5SmartReads - January 7, 2025

#5SmartReads is a Webby-honored weekly news digest that amplifies underreported news and underrepresented perspectives. My goal is to help you stay informed without being overwhelmed, and to embrace nuance and reflection over picking a side.

Antibiotic emergency ‘could claim 40 million lives in next 25 years’ (The Guardian)

I’ve been a part of 3 antibiotic development programs over the past 15 years, focused on developing improved versions of existing injectable ones (one which is the most used drugs in hospitals - ever).

That we’ve done all we can in this space keeps me up at night, as there’s little to no investment in the research and development of new antibiotics. And given the rise of antimicrobial resistance, it’s a looming health crisis that few are talking about.

And it’s not just asking your physician for a Z-pack when you’re unsure if your dealing with a virus or a bacterial infection, or stopping your antibiotics when you feel better. The widespread use of antibiotic use in livestock is a serious issue, and urban development and weather patterns can boost the spread of resistant bacteria that feels like the beginning of a dystopian thriller.

There needs to be significant action taken at a macro level. At the individual level, I recommend limiting your antibiotic use to confirmed bacterial infections (and taking the full course, especially when you’re feeling better!), reducing your meat intake and opting for pasture raised and grass finished wherever possible, and to just take care of yourself.

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No apps, no hacks. A guide to optimizing productivity (CNN)

‘New year, same me’ is my modus operandi for 2025.

I worked really hard last year to find a rhythm and develop rituals that helped me stay present and engaged in my work and my home life. And I feel slightly smug that many of mine mirror that of my friend Upasna - and I also learned a few things from here in this smart, succinct piece.

There is no notebook, app, or specific pen that will change your life (though the right notebook and pen have certainly sparked joy in mine). Mindful productivity requires you to be ruthlessly honest with yourself and how you’ve been working, and to face where you have room for improvement.

That, in my opinion, is the hardest part. We are addicted to the dopamine surge that comes with that app, or that notebook that our parasocial besties claim as their secret weapons, versus admitting that we’re losing hours of our day to scrolling.

I’ve been there. Hell, I still slip into that space (especially over the holidays).

You are great. Being honest about your screen time usage and how you fall down Reddit rabbit holes (guilty) won’t change that, but it will help you unlock a level within you that’s even better.

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#5SmartReads is all about helping you feel smarter this week.

If you want to feel better but feel overwhelmed on what to do, check out this month’s plan (mindfulness practices, workouts, meals, and more):

the plan - january 2025

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