Antibiotics From The Sea

Less than one month ago, an exciting piece of research was published in the esteemed scientific journal Nature Microbiology. Around the world, antibiotics are becoming less effective and antibiotic resistance is on the rise. In an effort to overcome this challenge, researchers from Friedrich Schiller University in Germany set out to discover potential new sources of antibiotics. Christian Jogler and his team cultivated several dozen types of marine bacteria from the Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean. 

The hero marine bacteria, Planctomycetes, naturally produce antibiotic compounds to fight against other bacteria. Thanks to Jogler’s lab work, a whopping 79 new cultures of Planctomycetes could pave the way for a new source of antibiotics and help those who suffer from antibiotic-resistant infections. 

Jogler’s research is a useful reminder that diversity of bacterial species is key – not only for the development of antibiotics but also for human health in general. Research shows that a diverse microbiome supports a robust immune system to help fight off pathogens and ultimately prevent us from getting sick.

To read the original research article, visit Nature Microbiology.