Deep-sea Arctic microbes may harbour next-generation antibiotics

The frigid waters of the Arctic may harbour the secret to a totally new type of antibiotic.

- EMILY COOKE

Scientists have discovered that substances made by Arctic Ocean microbes called actinobacteria can stop harmful bacteria from growing and prevent them from causing disease. Around 70 per cent of existing antibiotics were discovered in actinobacteria, most of which live in soil on land. However, bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to existing antibiotics, meaning that new drugs are urgently needed.