Ancient Bacteria Found in Romanian Glacier Resists Modern Antibiotics, Posing Scientific Challenge
Summary
Scientists discovered a 13,000-year-old bacterium in a Romanian glacier resistant to modern antibiotics, highlighting potential risks from climate change and possibilities for new drug development.
Key Points
- A 13,000-year-old bacterium found in Romania's Scărișoara Cave glacier is resistant to ten modern antibiotics.
- The bacterium, Psychrobacter CR65b.3, survives only in cold environments and does not infect humans.
- The study confirms antibiotic resistance existed naturally millions of years before human-made drugs.
- Ancient bacteria might help develop new drugs, but melting glaciers could release dormant microorganisms affecting ecosystems.
