Scientists discovered that an inedible wild mushroom called Stereum ostrea contains compounds that can fight against harmful bacteria and fungi. Though tough and leathery in texture, extracts from this mushroom showed promising ability to inhibit the growth of disease-causing microorganisms. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to new natural antibiotics for treating infections • May provide environmentally friendly alternatives for crop protection against plant diseases • Demonstrates the untapped potential of wild mushrooms in medicine • Shows how inedible fungi can still have valuable uses • Contributes to the growing field of natural antimicrobial alternatives to synthetic drugs