"Unearthing Ancient DNA: A Promising Source for Novel Antibiotics"

Researchers are using machine learning and molecular de-extinction to discover new antibiotics. By training a computer to execute Darwin's algorithm of evolution, they were able to evolve initial antibiotics into more effective ones. They then used computer models to search for peptides in the proteome of Neanderthals and Denisovans, finding over 2,500 peptides with anti-infective traits. Through solid phase chemical synthesis, they created peptides that effectively killed bacteria in petri dishes and animal models. While not potent enough to be antibiotics on their own, these peptides serve as templates for further study of anti-microbials.