For the first time, scientists have isolated a fungal molecule, one that could help breed a new variety of antibiotic. Found in a small black mushroom in northern Europe’s forests, the plectasin molecule is believed to be effective at combating certain infections. Plectasin pertains to a class of defensins, antimicrobial peptides, that are already the subject of immunology and infectious disease research.

Source: Peck, P. (2005). This week in the medical journals. October 21. Retrieved November 4 from http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/10/21/ journal.roundup/index/html.