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.
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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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