Innovative Strategies to Tackle Antibiotic Resistance

Researchers at UC San Diego have identified a vulnerability in antibiotic-resistant bacteria that could be exploited to combat these strains without drugs. The study found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, face a physiological cost due to competition for magnesium ions between mutant ribosomes and ATP molecules. This competition hinders the growth of resistant strains, suggesting that targeting magnesium availability could suppress antibiotic resistance. This approach offers a potential drug-free method to manage resistant bacteria, addressing a growing public health crisis.