NPR

Surge In Antibiotics Is A Boon For Superbugs

Despite calls by public health officials to curb the use of antibiotics, the drugs are on a global upswing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Source: Katie Park

The development of antibiotics in the middle of the 20th century was one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine. Penicillin and its pharmaceutical cousins saved millions of lives. But like a magic potion given to the world by a stern fairy, antibiotics come with a catch — If you abuse them, you lose them.

For decades, scientists have been warning

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min readAmerican Government
Campus Protests Over Gaza Could Affect Graduation; Steve Inkseep Interviews Blinken
Hundreds of students have been arrested at pro-Palestinian protests at colleges nationwide. NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Antony Blinken in an exclusive interview about U.S.-China relations.
NPR5 min readWorld
Blinken Tells China It's In Their Interest To Stop Helping Russia
NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken following his talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and top Chinese officials in Beijing.
NPR5 min readWorld
Blinken Tells China It's In Their Interest To Stop Helping Russia
NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to Secretary of State Blinken about U.S. foreign policy and his meeting with China's President Xi Jinping.

Related Books & Audiobooks