This research develops a rapid digital PCR workflow to quantify Salmonella contamination in chicken products. Unlike traditional yes-or-no testing, digital PCR measures bacterial levels directly, enabling faster and more accurate food safety decisions within eight hours. The work improves risk assessment, intervention strategies, and prevention of foodborne illness outbreaks.

The talk highlights how biology involves unseen interactions and how distinguishing living from dead microorganisms is essential. Using the chemical PMA (propidium monoazide), researchers can identify active pathogens and reduce misinterpretation in diagnostic tests, especially for viruses that cannot be grown in labs. This technique helps improve diagnostics, guide treatments, and advance microbiological research.