Are we ignoring a ticking time bomb? Researchers suggest that bacteria are growing tougher and overtaking our medicines. Some think that the world needs to take notice now.
Antibiotic resistance crisis looming
Superbug scare: Researchers warn that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are evolving faster than our medicines can keep up, threatening a future where minor infections become deadly once again. Glossary
Penicillin - In 1928, Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming discovered the first antibiotic in a mold growing in his laboratory. It was used to treat an eye infection in 1930 and revolutionised modern medicine.
Petri dish - Circular case used to conduct cellular experiments and grow cell cultures.
Mutations - Changes to the structure of genes.
Broad-spectrum - In medicine, this describes a general type of antibiotic that can kill many different kinds of bacteria at once. While useful if a doctor doesn't know exactly what is making a patient sick, these drugs can also kill the good bacteria in our bodies.