A new antibiotic, clovibactin, has been discovered in soil bacteria from a Maine technician's backyard. This antibiotic attacks bacteria in a unique way, making it effective against drug-resistant "superbugs" like MRSA and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Clovibactin binds to a crucial building block of bacterial cell walls in a manner that makes resistance development unlikely. While human trials are still some time away, the discovery represents a promising new weapon in the fight against growing antibiotic resistance.
Researchers used AI to identify a new antibiotic, abaucin, effective against a multidrug-resistant superbug, Acinetobacter baumannii. The AI model was trained on data about the molecular structure of over 7,500 drugs and their effectiveness against the bacteria. Within 48 hours, it identified nine potential antibiotic candidates, one of which, abaucin, proved highly effective in lab tests and successfully treated infected mice. This accomplishment, typically taking years of research, highlights the potential of AI to accelerate antibiotic discovery and combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
HN commenters are generally skeptical of the BBC article's framing. Several point out that the AI didn't "crack" the problem entirely on its own, but rather accelerated a process already guided by human researchers. They highlight the importance of the scientists' prior work in identifying abaucin and setting up the parameters for the AI's search. Some also question the novelty, noting that AI has been used in drug discovery for years and that this is an incremental improvement rather than a revolutionary breakthrough. Others discuss the challenges of antibiotic resistance, the need for new antibiotics, and the potential of AI to contribute to solutions. A few commenters also delve into the technical details of the AI model and the specific problem it addressed.
Summary of Comments ( 171 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43538853
Hacker News users discuss the serendipitous discovery of clovibactin, a new antibiotic found in soil. Several express cautious optimism, acknowledging the long road to clinical trials and the potential for bacteria to eventually develop resistance. Some highlight the importance of exploring underexplored environments like soil for new antibiotics, while others point to the challenges of bringing new antibiotics to market due to the high cost of development and relatively low returns. A few commenters dive into the mechanism of action of clovibactin, explaining its unique ability to target a highly conserved part of bacterial cell walls, making resistance development more difficult. The discussion also touches on the limitations of current antibiotic discovery methods and the need for new strategies. Some users suggest alternative approaches to fighting bacterial infections, such as phage therapy and improving sanitation.
The Hacker News post titled "New antibiotic that kills drug-resistant bacteria found in technician's garden" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43538853) has generated several comments discussing various aspects of the discovery and its implications.
Several commenters express excitement and cautious optimism about the potential of clovibactin, the newly discovered antibiotic. They highlight the urgent need for new antibiotics due to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. Some discuss the significance of finding this antibiotic in soil, a traditionally rich source of such compounds, emphasizing the importance of continued research in this area. One commenter points out the irony of finding such a crucial molecule in a seemingly mundane location like a technician's garden, underscoring the hidden potential of nature.
A thread of discussion emerges around the challenges of bringing new antibiotics to market. Commenters discuss the economic realities of antibiotic development, noting that the high development costs and relatively low prices of antibiotics make it a less attractive investment for pharmaceutical companies. This leads to a conversation about potential solutions, including government incentives and alternative funding models, to stimulate antibiotic research and development.
Some commenters delve into the scientific details of the discovery, discussing the mechanism of action of clovibactin and its unique ability to target bacterial cell walls without easily triggering resistance. They also discuss the early stage of research and the need for further studies, including clinical trials, to determine its efficacy and safety in humans.
Another thread focuses on the importance of responsible antibiotic use and stewardship to prevent the development and spread of resistance. Commenters emphasize the need for strategies to preserve the effectiveness of new antibiotics like clovibactin.
Finally, a few commenters offer more skeptical perspectives, questioning the long-term effectiveness of any new antibiotic given the inevitable emergence of resistance. They also raise concerns about potential side effects and the need for rigorous testing before widespread use.
Overall, the comments reflect a mix of hope and pragmatism regarding the discovery of clovibactin. While acknowledging the potential of this new antibiotic to combat drug-resistant bacteria, commenters also recognize the complex challenges involved in developing and deploying it effectively, and the ongoing need for responsible antibiotic use and stewardship.