Antibiotics: past, present and future

The molecule, called larocidin, works differently than other antibiotics, which is why it can be effective.

Antibiotics: past, present and future

The first antibiotic, salvarsan, was deployed in 1910. In just over 100 years antibiotics have drastically changed modern medicine and extended the av…

Tiny virus, big impact: young scientists discover phages as eco-friendly plant protectors

A bacteriophage is a virus that can infect and destroy bacteria. Phages are highly specific, meaning that they only attack certain types of bacteria. For this reason, scientists are studying them as a possible alternative to antibiotics, particularly to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Misha Hegde and Mia Maurer are in years 9 and 10 at Schuldorf Bergstraße School in Seeheim-Jugenheim, Germany. For the past year and a half, the young resear…

Scientists from Canada's McMaster University have discovered a completely new class of antibiotics. The researchers studied a soil sample from a backyard in the Canadian city of Hamilton and let the bacteria from it grow quietly in the laboratory for a year. Among all those bacteria was a special species, called Paenibacillus, which produces a very specific substance: […] More science? Read the latest articles on Scientias.nl .

Historic Discovery Reveals New Weapon Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria

The world urgently needs new antibiotics. In 2019 alone, antibiotic-resistant bacteria killed more than 4.5 million people worldwide. The bacteria that cause these infections evolve constantly, becoming resistant to treatments faster than scientists can find replacements. Finding effective new medicines, especially against hard-to-treat Gram-negative bacteria, is critical. Now, a recent discovery might offer hope, thanks to researchers at McMast…

Scientists discover lariocide, a new molecule with the potential to fight resistant bacteria, a crucial step forward in the fight against infections