16 Jan 2020 --- The next decade could see the commercialization of a new probiotic drink with a specifically engineered genetic element to help fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. By targeting small DNA molecules called plasmids, a team of scientists at the University of Birmingham, UK, has managed to displace the resistance genes available to the bacteria, effectively “re-sensitizing” them to antibiotics. The researchers have patented the key genetic element and are now seeking funding for a clinical trial for the drink, which has the potential to work against resistant bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella pneumoniae.