Phenotypic screening
Have you ever seen twins who look really different even though they have the same genes? That's because what we see on the outside is called their phenotype - it's like their physical appearance or behavior. Scientists use something called phenotypic screening to look for new medicines that can help people when they're sick.
Like when you're looking for something in your toy box, scientists go through lots of different things to find ones that might work. They use different things like chemicals and different parts of cells to try and find things that make a difference. They look very carefully at each thing they try to see if it helps change the way the cell or germs act in a good way.
Sometimes scientists use a special machine to help them see if something is making a difference. If the thing they try makes the germs or cells less harmful, they might be able to use it to create medicine that can help people when they're feeling sick. So phenotypic screening helps scientists look for new things that can help people be healthy!
Like when you're looking for something in your toy box, scientists go through lots of different things to find ones that might work. They use different things like chemicals and different parts of cells to try and find things that make a difference. They look very carefully at each thing they try to see if it helps change the way the cell or germs act in a good way.
Sometimes scientists use a special machine to help them see if something is making a difference. If the thing they try makes the germs or cells less harmful, they might be able to use it to create medicine that can help people when they're feeling sick. So phenotypic screening helps scientists look for new things that can help people be healthy!