Ancient DNA Yields New Antibiotics: A Breakthrough in the Fight Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria

New Antibiotics Discovered from Ancient Human DNA Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Researchers have unearthed new antibiotics from the DNA of Neanderthals and Denisovans, extinct human relatives. This discovery was made possible by utilizing advanced AI models to analyze archaic genetic sequences. "The good thing for us is that many of these archaic DNA sequences are in databases today, so we can access them," explained Jordi Wild, a leading figure in the field, in a recent podcast. The process involved sifting through vast amounts of genetic data to identify molecules with antibiotic properties. This highlights the potential of using AI to accelerate the discovery of new drugs. One of the identified antibiotics, derived from Neanderthal DNA, has already shown effectiveness in mouse models. This signifies a promising step towards developing new treatments for infectious diseases. The discovery underscores the importance of studying ancient DNA and the potential for uncovering valuable resources from our evolutionary past. The next steps involve collaboration between researchers and pharmaceutical companies to bring these new antibiotics to the market, potentially offering a solution to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.