Who discovered penicillin?

The discovery of penicillin is attributed to Alexander Fleming, who was a Scottish bacteriologist. In 1928, while working at St. Mary's Hospital in London, he observed that a mold called Penicillium notatum had contaminated one of his petri dishes and was killing the surrounding bacteria. This unexpected observation led him to investigate the mold further, ultimately identifying it as a powerful antibiotic agent.

Fleming's research laid the groundwork for the development of penicillin as a widely used antibiotic, which has since saved countless lives by effectively treating bacterial infections. His work marked a significant milestone in medical science, as it opened the door to the antibiotic era, revolutionizing the treatment of infectious diseases.

The other individuals mentioned had notable contributions to science in different areas, but they were not involved in the discovery of penicillin. Marie Curie is known for her research on radioactivity, Louis Pasteur is famous for his contributions to microbiology and the development of vaccines, particularly against rabies and anthrax, while Isaac Newton is celebrated for his foundational work in physics and mathematics.