OCEAN HOLDS BIOMEDICAL SECRETS Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, say sediments in the deep ocean are a good source of microbes that produce antibiotic molecules. The team has discovered bacteria called actinomycetes in ocean sediments that produce molecules that could play a part in the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer. For more than 45 years, land-based actinomycetes were the foundation of the pharmaceutical industry because of their ability to produce natural antibiotics. The researchers also identified the structure of a new natural product, Salinosporamide A, from this new bacterial resource. They believe Salinosporamide A is a potent inhibitor of cancer growth. These discoveries have been patented and licensed to Nereus Pharmaceuticals Inc. for development. UPI, 1/20/03 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.