For scientists, it's not every day that they discover effective compounds that kill fungi (the group of microorganisms such as yeast, mold, fungi, etc.), so finding them needed a special name.
Identifying and testing three natural compounds that proved devastating to the fungus, they were so impressed that they named the chemicals after actor Keanu Reeves, a reference to how he eliminates villains in films such as "John Wick" and "The Matrix."
The potential treatment for the fungus comes at a time when these organisms are becoming increasingly resistant to known antifungals.
Named keanumicins , the antimicrobial compounds are a natural byproduct of pseudomonas bacteria commonly found in soil and water. According to the study, the compounds are biodegradable and could provide an environmentally friendly alternative.
Sources: Journal of the American Chemical Society, CNN
