Scientists develop compound that can kill antibiotic-resistant superbugs

A bacteria culture.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

British scientists say they have discovered a new compound that can kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including E. coli.

The compound was developed by Kirsty Smitten, a doctoral student at the University of Sheffield, and researchers are testing it on gram-negative bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics. Prof. Jim Thomas said since the compound is luminescent and glows when exposed to light, advanced microscope techniques allow researchers to follow the "uptake and effect on bacteria. .... This breakthrough could lead to vital new treatments to life-threatening superbugs and the growing risk posed by antimicrobial resistance."

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Catherine Garcia, The Week US

Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com. Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com, The New York Times, The Book of Jezebel, and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.