The accident that changed the world - Allison Ramsey and Mary Staicu
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In 1928, scientist Alexander Fleming returned to his lab and found something unexpected: a colony of mold growing on a Petri dish he’d forgotten to place in his incubator. And around this colony of mold was a zone completely and surprisingly clear of bacteria. What was this mysterious phenomenon? Allison Ramsey and Mary Staicu detail the discovery of penicillin and how it transformed medicine.
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Penicillin is a well-known and widely used antibiotic. How was penicillin discovered? How does it work against bacteria? What threatens its efficacy against infections?
If you’re interested a few more details about how penicillin works, check out this video from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA video)
The American Board of Internal Medicine has a campaign of smart practices across all medical specialties. Recommendations surrounding penicillin allergy can be found here
The Centers for Disease Control has a fact sheet about penicillin and penicillin allergy.
Check out the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's drug allergy guide to learn about different symptoms to drug allergies.
If you’re interested a few more details about how penicillin works, check out this video from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA video)
The American Board of Internal Medicine has a campaign of smart practices across all medical specialties. Recommendations surrounding penicillin allergy can be found here
The Centers for Disease Control has a fact sheet about penicillin and penicillin allergy.
Check out the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's drug allergy guide to learn about different symptoms to drug allergies.
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