The scientist using AI to hunt for antibiotics just about everywhere

César de la Fuente and his team at the University of Pennsylvania are using artificial intelligence to search genomes for peptides with antibiotic properties.
His research aims to develop new antimicrobial compounds by combining peptides in configurations that may not occur in nature.
The team has discovered peptides in ancient single-celled organisms (archaea), as well as in the venom of snakes, wasps, and spiders.
De la Fuente’s research includes a project to find antimicrobial capabilities in the genetic sequences of extinct species such as woolly mammoths, Neanderthals, and ancient megafauna.
De la Fuente has earned numerous awards and recognition for his innovative use of computational approaches in antibiotic discovery.
Antimicrobial resistance is described as a significant global challenge that requires innovative solutions due to the high cost and difficulty of traditional methods.
De la Fuente believes that exploring the potential of ancient and unconventional sources can lead to breakthroughs in combating resistant microbes.