Roots of Modern Medicine
September 1, 2026
Northwestern Chemistry’s Karl Scheidt explores the enduring role of nature in the search for new medicines in the Fall 2026 issue of Northwestern Magazine. From antibiotics and aspirin to newer treatments inspired by natural compounds, Scheidt explains how molecules produced by plants, fungi, bacteria and animals continue to guide drug discovery. He also discusses research from his Northwestern group, which studies natural compounds and uses insights from chemistry and biology to investigate new approaches to difficult medical challenges, including cancer.