The First Antibiotic Came from Mold
Alexander Fleming noticed in 1928 that a mold called Penicillium notatum killed nearby bacteria on a petri dish, leading to the development of penicillin. This accidental discovery launched the modern era of antibiotics and saved countless lives.
💡 Fun detail:
Fleming initially could not produce enough penicillin to treat patients, so mass production only began during World War II.
Source: Science Museum