Bacteria lurk everywhere. However, it’s only after researchers retrieve them from the most remote corners of the Earth that we can learn more about the risks and potentials they pose. When researchers examined a bacterial strain discovered in 5,000-year-old layers of cave ice, they found it resistant to 10 modern antibiotics and harboring even more genes related to resistance. Yet, it also showed promising enzymatic activities and could inhibit the growth of ‘superbugs’ resistant to multiple antibiotics. This highlights the importance of studying ancient bacteria to understand the natural evolution of antibiotic resistance and ways in which those bacteria could be used for future medical and biotechnological solutions, the researchers said.

Bacteria lurk everywhere. However, it’s only after researchers retrieve them from the most remote corners of the Earth that we can learn more about the risks and potentials they pose. When researchers examined a bacterial strain discovered in 5,000-year-old layers of cave ice, they found it resistant to 10 modern antibiotics and harboring even more genes related to resistance. Yet, it also showed promising enzymatic activities and could inhibit the growth of ‘superbugs’ resistant to multiple antibiotics. This highlights the importance of studying ancient bacteria to understand the natural evolution of antibiotic resistance and ways in which those bacteria could be used for future medical and biotechnological solutions, the researchers said.