To you, wasps, snakes, and spiders may be fascinating or freaky. But to a chemist, they may be the source of strong new drugs.
Bacteria, plants, and animals make chemicals for self-defense. Chemists study these substances. They look to see if the chemicals might treat human diseases. Penicillin, the first antibiotic, is an example. It is based on a mold that kills some bacteria. Thanks to a chemist, this medicine now saves lives.
