In their research article -- Global biogeographic sampling of bacterial secondary metabolism-- Charlop-Powers et al. from Rockefeller University studyone hundred and eighty five soil samples taken from rainforests, temperate forests, deserts, and beaches on five continents. This analysis revealed soils particularly rich in important gene clusters that may provide a source of previously undiscovered therapeutic drugs.
Their research has gained widespread media coverage and has appeared in print as well as being broadcast on BBC Breakfast News. A few examples of this coverage can be found below;
