Did you know that during a walk in the woods, you walk across a hidden pharmacy?πΆπ» π³
Soil is chock-full of bacteria, and those soil bacteria naturally produce substances that serve as the basis for antibiotics and other drugs. π¦ Anne-Sofie De Rop (Ghent University - FWO) tracks down these invisible pharmacists by taking soil samples, and analyzing the DNA of the bacteria to discover new medications. π¬ Thanks to smart mathematical models, she can also find out more quickly which interesting new medicines the bacteria have in 'store' in their pharmacy π₯
On your next walk in the woods, consider that the medicine of the future may just be under your feet!
Contact Anne-Sofie