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Scientists Are Fighting Future Pandemics With a Secret Weapon: Airplane Toilets

created: Aug. 21, 2025, 12:30 p.m. | updated: Aug. 26, 2025, 11:36 a.m.

One of the most worrying examples are antimicrobial resistant (AMR) superbugs that, as their name suggests, includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that no longer respond to antimicrobial treatments. Because these antibiotic drugs are central to modern medicine, the arrival of these superbugs fill some scientists and physicians with dread—for good reason. Antimicrobial resistance also varied geographically, with more resistance popping up from flights coming from Asia. Related Story Experts Designed the Scientifically Perfect UrinalAnalyzing aircraft wastewater is a proven method for detecting disease, especially since travel has been the main vector for many human ailments since time immemorial. “Aircraft wastewater monitoring could complement existing public health systems, providing early warnings of emerging superbug threats.”

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