This research discovered a new antibiotic compound called xantholysin produced by soil bacteria. The compound has unique properties that allow it to kill both harmful bacteria and fungi, making it potentially useful for protecting plants from diseases. The study reveals how bacteria can evolve to produce new antibiotic compounds by mixing and matching different genetic building blocks. Impacts on everyday life: – Could lead to new agricultural treatments to protect crops from bacterial and fungal diseases – Demonstrates nature’s ability to produce new antibiotics, important for fighting drug resistance – Provides insights for developing new antimicrobial compounds through biotechnology – May help improve our understanding of how beneficial soil bacteria protect plants – Could inspire new approaches for controlling harmful bacteria in various settings