Scientists Report New Anthrax-Killing Chemical

Scientists have reportedly determined that a recently documented species of bacteria generates a chemical capable of killing anthrax, suggesting a future treatment for the bioterrorism agent could make use of the microorganism found last year off the California coast.

Analysts at the University of California (San Diego) collaborated with Trius Therapeutics to examine the bacteria-generated substance dubbed "anthracimycin," the school said in a Wednesday press release.

“The discovery of truly new antibiotic compounds is quite rare," team leader William Fenical said in released comments. "This discovery adds to many previous discoveries that show that marine bacteria are genetically and chemically unique.”