US Pharm. 2008;33(5):13.

Researchers at Princeton and Harvard Universities believe that the discovery of two key proteins guiding one of the two groups of pathogenic bacteria that make up an ant's outer shell could pave the way to the development of new antibiotics.

According to the scientists, the antibiotics would be particularly effective against gram-negative bacteria, such as E coliand Salmonella, and would destroy these pathogens by disabling the mechanism that produces the ants' protective coating.

To comment on this article, contact rdavidson@jobson.com.