With antibiotic resistance on the rise, scientists are retesting a long-forgotten antibiotic called streptothricin F. Shelved in the 1940s for kidney toxicity, new research finds the soil-dwelling bacteria can kill some superbugs without kidney damage in animals.

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Streptothricin F is a long-forgotten antibiotic researchers believe is effective against gram-negative, antibiotic-resistant superbugs and may hold one key to the future of fighting gram-negative pathogens that make up the majority of bacteria the World Health Organization (WHO) considers the highest priority and pose the greatest threat to mankind.
Early studies in the 1940s revealed human kidney toxicity. The current research team revisited the streptothricin F form and didn’t find kidney toxicity in an animal study, but it killed highly resistant gram-negative bacteria.
Antibiotic resistance is on the rise, spurred by the rising use in humans and livestock. Despite known risks, use in animal farming is expected to grow by 8% by 2030, used to promote unnatural growth in the animal by altering the gut microbiome and concurrently developing antibacterial resistance.
Biosolids comprise sewage sludge that is used to fertilize crops, and which contain a cocktail of hazardous materials, including antibiotics that also contribute to the rising public health threat.
Cruciferous vegetables may hold one key to fighting gram-negative superbugs found in indole-3 carbinol that is converted to diindolylmethane (DIM). This boosts immune function and may be a potent weapon against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Like high-dose vitamin C, this should only be used when needed.