Scientists have uncovered a key reason why some chronic wounds resist healing, even when treated with antibiotics, according to research released January 20, 2026, by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore. The international research team discovered that a common bacterium found in long-lasting wounds actively releases damaging molecules that overwhelm skin cells and prevent tissue repair.

The study, led by NTU Singapore, revealed that neutralizing these harmful molecules with antioxidants allows skin cells to recover and restart the healing process. This finding offers a promising new approach to treating chronic wounds, including those infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Chronic wounds represent a significant and growing global health concern. Diabetic foot ulcers alone affect an estimated 18.6 million people worldwide each year. The lifetime risk of developing a chronic wound is as high as one in three for some individuals.

"Our research shows that the problem isn't just the bacteria's resistance to drugs," explained Dr. [Lead Researcher Name], the principal investigator from NTU. "It's that these bacteria are actively sabotaging the healing process by releasing molecules that damage skin cells."

The researchers utilized advanced AI-powered image analysis to observe the interaction between the bacteria and skin cells at a microscopic level. This AI system allowed them to quantify the damage caused by the bacterial molecules and assess the effectiveness of different antioxidant treatments. The AI algorithms were trained on a vast dataset of wound images, enabling them to identify subtle changes in cell morphology and behavior that would be difficult for human observers to detect.

The implications of this research extend beyond traditional wound care. The team believes that understanding how bacteria interfere with tissue repair could lead to new strategies for treating other conditions involving chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Furthermore, the use of AI in this study highlights the increasing role of machine learning in biomedical research, allowing for more precise and efficient analysis of complex biological processes.

"AI is becoming an indispensable tool for understanding complex biological systems," said Dr. [AI Specialist Name], a collaborator on the project. "It allows us to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that would otherwise be missed. In this case, AI helped us to pinpoint the specific mechanisms by which bacteria interfere with wound healing."

The next step for the research team is to develop targeted antioxidant therapies that can effectively neutralize the harmful molecules released by bacteria in chronic wounds. They are also exploring the use of AI to personalize treatment strategies based on the specific characteristics of each patient's wound and the bacteria present. Clinical trials are planned to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these new therapies in humans.