Chapter 38: The Good and the bad

The morning hummed with a racing energy that crackled through the makeshift lab. There were rustling papers, scratching presentation boards with markers. There was a sense of impending doom and gloom because Dr. Sato, the hospital director and a close friend of Dr. Yuki, was expected any moment. His funding was the lifeblood of their project, the key that would unlock the potential of Ryu's revolutionary approach to antibiotics.

Isao, Ryu's ever-anxious research partner, practically vibrated where he stood, his eyes flitting between the meticulously prepared presentation boards plastered with colourful diagrams and the carefully arranged petri dishes teeming with bioluminescent fungi. His fingers drummed an erratic rhythm on the lab bench, a physical manifestation of the nervous energy coursing through his veins.

"Alright, Ryu, one last time," Isao muttered, his voice laced with nervous energy barely contained. "Let's go over the key points of the presentation. Dr. Sato's approval is crucial for this project to move forward; you know that."

Ryu paused in his meticulous arrangement of petri dishes, turning to face his friend with a mixture of amusement and concern. "Relax, Isao. We've been over this a dozen times. We have already impressed him with our initial proposal. Today is just about showing him the progress we've made and the fascinating dance these fungi are performing in our petri dish colonies."

"Easy for you to say," Isao grumbled, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. "You're Mr. Cool, Calm, and Collected. I, on the other hand, feel like I might spontaneously combust if Dr. Sato raises an eyebrow the wrong way."

Ryu chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on Isao's shoulder. "Come on, Isao. Remember when we first started this project? You were so excited, you could barely contain yourself. Channel that enthusiasm now. Our work speaks for itself."

Isao took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly under Ryu's touch. "You're right. It's just... there's so much riding on this."

Dr. Yuki, observing their exchange with a fond smile, chimed in, her voice laced with experience. "Don't worry, Isao. Dr. Sato is a visionary leader. He's seen the potential in our research from the beginning. Remember, you're not just presenting data; you're sharing a passion, a glimpse into a future where this antibiotic can save countless lives."

Her words seemed to have a calming effect on both young researchers. Isao's nervous fidgeting subsided, replaced by a look of determination. Ryu's confident smile broadened, his eyes shining with renewed purpose.

Isao took a deep breath, trying to quell the frantic rhythm of his heart. Dr. Yuki was right. This wasn't just about funding; it was about the promise their research held. He straightened his lab coat, a resolute glint replacing the nervous twitch in his eyes. "Right," he said with newfound determination. "Let's show Dr. Sato what this project is all about. Let's show him the future of medicine!"

The lab fell into a focused silence as they made their final preparations. Ryu triple-checked the alignment of the petri dishes, ensuring each was perfectly positioned to showcase the striking contrast between treated and untreated bacterial cultures. Isao gave the presentation boards one last scrutinising look, mentally rehearsing the key points they needed to convey.

The anticipation in the room was palpable, like the calm before a storm. Then, with a soft creak that seemed to echo in the silence, the lab door opened.

Dr. Sato, a man whose kind eyes crinkled at the corners whenever he smiled, entered the room. His gaze immediately swept over the workspace, landing on the rows of petri dishes and photographs meticulously arranged on the central table. A spark of curiosity ignited in his eyes as he approached the display. His steps were light and measured, each one carrying the weight of years of medical experience and the power to shape the future of their research.

"Welcome, Dr. Sato!" Ryu greeted him, his voice a touch higher-pitched than usual, betraying the nervous energy thrumming beneath the surface. "Thank you for taking the time to visit us today."

Dr. Sato offered a warm smile, the kind that could put a patient at ease. "It's a pleasure, Ryu. I've been looking forward to this visit ever since Dr. Yuki first mentioned your groundbreaking work. It is amazing that you are only a child, and I am looking forward to seeing what you and Isao have been working on in this lab. Dr. Yuki spoke highly of your work ethic and your attention to proper protocols."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the array of petri dishes, each a miniature battlefield where their potential antibiotics waged war against harmful bacteria. "I must say, the setup here is impressive. You've clearly put a great deal of thought into your experimental design."

He gestured towards the presentation boards. "Before we delve into the specifics," Dr. Sato said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement, "why don't you walk me through your overall approach, Ryu? Give me the big picture before we zoom in on the details."

Ryu exchanged a quick glance with Isao, drawing strength from his partner's encouraging nod. He straightened his posture, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. "Certainly, Dr. Sato. As you know, we're investigating a new approach to antibiotic development, focussing on the unique defence mechanisms employed by certain pathogens."

"Our inspiration came from nature itself," Ryu continued, his voice growing more confident with each word. "We observed how certain fungi have evolved complex defence mechanisms against bacteria. We theorised that if we could isolate and harness these mechanisms, we might be able to create a new class of synthetic antibiotics."

Dr. Sato pursed his lips thoughtfully, his gaze flitting between Ryu and the petri dish. "Intriguing," he murmured. "Intriguing indeed. But wouldn't these antibiotics also pose a risk to the human body?"

Ryu nodded, appreciating the astuteness of Dr. Sato's question. "Absolutely, Dr. Sato, that's a valid point. Some artificial antibiotics can have side effects. Despite the fact that all medications have some negative effects, no matter how minor, we continue to use them because their benefits exceed their drawbacks. But think about it—anti-venom, for instance, is derived from venom itself. The key is identifying the right strain and purifying it to minimise any risks. We understand the importance of safety, and that's why we have a comprehensive testing plan in place. Our initial tests are very promising, but our ultimate goal is to ensure this discovery translates into a safe and effective treatment option for patients."

Dr. Sato's eyebrows rose, clearly impressed by the depth of thought behind their approach. "Well reasoned, Ryu. It's clear you've considered the broader implications of your research. Now, show me what you've achieved so far."

Isao stepped forward, his calm demeanour a soothing counterpoint to Ryu's nervous energy. "Dr. Sato," he began, "the petri dishes on the table contain samples of the isolated strain alongside control groups. The growth of certain bacterial cultures is significantly inhibited in the presence of our newfound antibiotic."

"Exactly," Ryu continued, his voice gaining confidence. "And as you can see from the data on these boards," he gestured towards the presentation, "we've successfully isolated a specific strain that exhibits a remarkably potent antibiotic effect. Isao can elaborate further on the specifics."

Isao nodded, moving to stand beside a particularly striking set of petri dishes. "Dr. Sato," he began, "these petri dishes contain samples of the isolated strain alongside control groups. As you can see, the growth of certain bacterial cultures is significantly inhibited in the presence of our newfound antibiotic."

Dr. Sato leaned in, his eyes narrowing as he examined the dishes closely. The contrast was stark: vibrant bacterial colonies in the control dishes and clear zones of inhibition where the experimental antibiotic had been introduced.

"Interesting," he murmured. "The colony growth inhibition in these samples is visible. And have you identified the specific component within the fungus responsible for this effect?"

"We're still in the process of pinpointing the exact molecule," Isao admitted. "But based on our preliminary research, it appears to be a unique type of enzyme with highly targeted properties. It appears to target a critical membrane function in the target bacteria."

"Fascinating," Dr. Sato murmured, his eyes alight with scientific curiosity. "And have you observed any patterns in terms of which bacterial strains are most susceptible?"

Ryu jumped in, eager to share their latest findings. "We have, actually. Our antibiotic seems particularly effective against certain antibiotic-resistant strains. We're still investigating the mechanism, but it seems to bypass the resistance mechanisms that make these bacteria so challenging to treat."

Dr. Sato nodded, jotting down some notes in his file. "That's a promising lead, gentlemen. If this pans out, it could be a game-changer in the fight against antibiotic resistance." 

Ryu then showed Dr. Sato the actual results of the experiment. Dr. Sato's gaze lingered on a specific petri dish. Unlike the others teeming with bacterial growth, this one displayed a clear, circular zone where no bacteria had dared to tread. It was a testament to the power Ryu and Isao were trying to harness.