Bacterial defences of fungus-farming ants could help in medical battle against superbugsScientists contain pinpointed a promising unique source of antibiotics: ants. They contain found that some species – including leaf-cutter ants from the Amazon exercise bacteria to defend their nests against invading fungi and microbes.
Chemicals excreted by the bacteria as part of this fight contain been shown to contain particularly powerful antibiotic effects and researchers are now preparing to test them in animals to determine their potential as medicines for humans. Related: UN meeting tackles the 'fundamental threat' of antibiotic-resistant superbugs Related: England’s chief medical officer warns of ‘antibiotic apocalypse’ Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com