Category: Microbiology

In 2015, the Nobel Prize was awarded for the discovery of ivermectin and other therapies derived from nature. Contrary to what many might assume about natural medicines, the answer to "what plant did ivermectin come from?" is that it did not come from a plant at all, but from a microorganism found in Japanese soil.

Colistin has seen a resurgence as a last-resort antibiotic due to rising multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Its bactericidal effect is achieved by fatally disrupting the bacterial cell membranes, a complex process initiated by targeting the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) layer.

First isolated in the mid-1940s from a young girl's wound, the discovery of bacitracin began with an accidental observation in a laboratory. The answer to **What is the source of bacitracin?** is rooted in the specific bacteria that naturally produce this potent polypeptide, widely used in topical ointments today.

Despite common assumptions, ivermectin is not made from a plant at all, but rather derived from a microbe first discovered in a Japanese soil sample. This discovery by microbiologist Satoshi Ōmura led to the development of a 'wonder drug' that has had an immense impact on global public health.

In recent years, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been the subject of extensive scientific inquiry for its potential therapeutic uses beyond its traditional role as a mucolytic and antioxidant. A growing body of laboratory studies indicates that NAC has direct antimicrobial properties, capable of inhibiting bacterial growth and interfering with the stubborn, antibiotic-resistant structures known as biofilms. While not a conventional antibiotic, this multifaceted compound presents a promising avenue for combating antibiotic resistance and treating persistent infections.

Recent studies have revealed that antibiotic-induced dysbiosis can deplete beneficial *Lactobacillus* species in the gut, leading to significant health consequences. Understanding **which antibiotic kills Lactobacillus** is complex because the susceptibility varies widely by species and class of antibiotic.

While essential for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body, magnesium is not a true antibiotic and should not be used as a replacement for medically prescribed drugs. The relationship between magnesium and bacteria is surprisingly complex, involving both direct antimicrobial effects and interactions that can affect the efficacy of actual antibiotics.

The human gut microbiome contains trillions of microbes and millions of genes, significantly outnumbering our own, and recent research confirms that this complex ecosystem is highly susceptible to medical interventions. This raises the critical question: Do drugs affect your microbiome, and what are the clinical implications for patient health and drug effectiveness?.

The discovery of rapamycin reads like a true scientific odyssey, starting with a 1964 Canadian medical expedition to a remote island. **Is there a natural source of rapamycin?** Yes, this potent and versatile macrolide compound is naturally produced by the soil-dwelling bacterium *Streptomyces hygroscopicus*, which was famously isolated from a soil sample taken from Easter Island, known as Rapa Nui. From this natural origin, rapamycin has become a cornerstone of modern medicine, with applications spanning immunosuppression, cancer therapy, and longevity research.

Since the discovery of the first antibiotic in 1910, these drugs have extended the average human lifespan by an estimated 23 years [1.11.1]. As a member of the penicillin family, understanding **how does ampicillin destroy bacteria** is key to appreciating its role in modern medicine [1.4.3].