US researchers use AI to develop powerful new antibiotic

The scientists at MIT and Harvard trained a machine learning algorithm to analyse chemical compounds capable of fighting infections using different mechanisms than those of existing drugs. — AFP Relaxnews

WASHINGTON: In a first, US researchers have used artificial intelligence to identify a powerful new antibiotic capable of killing several drug-resistant bacteria.

Antibiotics have been a cornerstone of modern medicine since the discovery of penicillin, but their effectiveness has seriously diminished in recent years as overuse has led to bacteria becoming resistant.