Alexander Fleming was a British scientist who in 1928 discovered penicillin, the first antibiotic substance produced by a microorganism. While working with staphylococci bacteria, he noticed the antibacterial properties of the Penicillium mold that inhibited their growth. He published his findings in 1929 and his discovery of penicillin led to the development of other antibiotics and revolutionized medicine by allowing previously deadly diseases to be treated. In 1945, Fleming was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his discovery of penicillin.