The Accidental Herbalist

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.

Researchers from the Kaiser-Permanente Medical Care Program in San Diego reported that 68% of the adult asthma sufferers they saw over a one-year period were female. Adult women had a higher mean peak expiratory flow compared with men, too, whereas, studies involving children showed no significant difference in numbers of girls and boys. In related [...]