研究人员利用海藻研发抗生素

 　　LONDON, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- UK researchers are trying to use the antimicrobial properties of seaweeds from the country's coastline to develop a new generation of antibiotics² in a bid to fight the growing threat of resistant³ superbugs, according to a report released Thursday by the University of Exeter.

　　As the number of multidrug-resistant bacteria, also known as superbug, rises, there is an urgent need for new drugs that can be used to treat infections when others fail. Natural environments can be a rich source of antibiotics.

　　A research team from the University of Exeter are trying to uncover properties that could form the basis for a new generation of antibiotics that can curb⁴ infections caused by superbugs, such as MRSA.

　　Researchers turn to seaweeds to develop new antibiotics

　　"Our early experiments have confirmed that seaweeds hold a diverse array of antimicrobial properties. Excitingly, some of these extracts are most effective against some of the more resistant and problematic bacteria and we're hoping our work will help to make the discovery of new drugs quicker and cheaper," said Michiel Vos, who led the study.

　　With its rich abundance of coastline and seaweed species, Cornwall, a coastal⁵ area in southwest Britain, is the perfect place for this kind of research.

　　To take these ideas further, Vos said the team would create a dedicated⁶ research project that can really shed light on the potential they were seeing.

　　Antibiotic¹ resistance is a serious and growing global problem. A previous World Health Organization (WHO) report stated that it is "now a major threat to public health".

1 antibiotic   

adj.抗菌的；n.抗生素

参考例句：

• The doctor said that I should take some antibiotic.医生说我应该服些用抗生素。
• Antibiotic can be used against infection.抗菌素可以用来防止感染。

2 antibiotics   

n.（用作复数）抗生素；（用作单数）抗生物质的研究；抗生素，抗菌素( antibiotic的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• the discovery of antibiotics in the 20th century 20世纪抗生素的发现
• The doctor gave me a prescription for antibiotics. 医生给我开了抗生素。

3 resistant   

adj.(to)抵抗的，有抵抗力的

参考例句：

• Many pests are resistant to the insecticide.许多害虫对这种杀虫剂有抵抗力。
• They imposed their government by force on the resistant population.他们以武力把自己的统治强加在持反抗态度的人民头上。

4 curb   

n.场外证券市场，场外交易；vt.制止，抑制

参考例句：

• I could not curb my anger.我按捺不住我的愤怒。
• You must curb your daughter when you are in church.你在教堂时必须管住你的女儿。

5 coastal   

adj.海岸的，沿海的，沿岸的

参考例句：

• The ocean waves are slowly eating away the coastal rocks.大海的波浪慢慢地侵蚀着岸边的岩石。
• This country will fortify the coastal areas.该国将加强沿海地区的防御。

6 dedicated   

adj.一心一意的；献身的；热诚的

参考例句：

• He dedicated his life to the cause of education.他献身于教育事业。
• His whole energies are dedicated to improve the design.他的全部精力都放在改进这项设计上了。