Story perspectives

Ancient Ice Reveals Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria with Biotech Potential

2/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Romanian researchers identified a bacterial strain, Psychrobacter SC65A.3, in a 5,000-year-old ice from Scarisoara Ice Cave.
The strain shows resistance to multiple modern antibiotics and carries over 100 resistance-related genes.
It can inhibit the growth of major antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs' and holds biotechnological potential.
The researchers drilled an ice core to study its resistance against 28 antibiotics.
The findings underscore dual risks and benefits of ancient bacteria in addressing antibiotic resistance.

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Story summary

Romanian researchers identified a bacterial strain, Psychrobacter SC65A.3, in a 5,000-year-old ice from Scarisoara Ice Cave.
The strain shows resistance to multiple modern antibiotics and carries over 100 resistance-related genes.
It can inhibit the growth of major antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs' and holds biotechnological potential.
The researchers drilled an ice core to study its resistance against 28 antibiotics.
The findings underscore dual risks and benefits of ancient bacteria in addressing antibiotic resistance.