Bacteria in Ancient Irish Soil Halts Growth of Superbugs. Researchers analyzing soil from Ireland have discovered that it contains a previously unknown strain of bacteria which is effective against four of the top six superbugs that are resistant to antibiotics, including MRSA. The new strain of bacteria was discovered by a team based in Swansea University Medical School, made up of researchers from Wales, Brazil, Iraq and Northern Ireland. They have named the new strain Streptomyces sp. myrophorea. The soil they analyzed originated from an area of Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, in an area of alkaline grassland where the soil is reputed to have healing properties. The search for replacement antibiotics to combat multi-resistance has prompted researchers to explore new sources, including folk medicines: a field of study known as ethnopharmacology. Professor Paul Dyson of Swansea University Medical School said: “Our discovery is an important step forward in the fight against antibiotic resistance. Swansea University, December 27, 2018, https://phys.org/news/2018-12-bacteria-ancient-irish-soil-halts.html
