Droughts can drive antibiotic resistance in soil bacteria, research finds

A new study by Caltech researchers published in Nature Microbiology reveals that droughts can significantly increase antibiotic resistance in soil bacteria. As soil dries from drought stress, the concentration of natural antibiotics rises, favoring the survival of resistant bacteria. The research warns that by 2050, India and other drought-prone countries will face severe public health risks from this environmental antibiotic resistance.