This research investigates how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, a growing global health threat. By identifying resistant bacteria and analysing how they chemically modify antibiotics, the work aims to uncover resistance mechanisms. These insights are essential for preserving antibiotic effectiveness and safeguarding treatments against life-threatening infections.

This research searches for new antibiotics in deep-sea sponge bacteria that have evolved for 580 million years to defend their hosts. By growing these never-before-seen microbes and testing them against superbugs like MRSA, the project aims to discover urgently needed antibiotics to combat rising antimicrobial resistance.