A molecule that fights malaria has been discovered in the depths of Frobisher Bay, say scientists from Laval University, according to Nunatsiaq News.

In a new study, Laval researchers found that molecules from a microscopic fungus discovered in 2017 in sediments from Frobisher Bay had structural similarities to malaria-fighting compounds.

Through synthesis, they were able to reproduce all four molecules, called mortidamides, in their laboratory. The tests found that mortidamide “B” was effective in killing the malaria-causing parasite.

The next step in the process for Voyer and his team is to try and figure out how the mortiamides interact with the parasite in order to kill it.