How did alexander fleming’s research solve a societal problem? he developed ways to treat inherited diseases. he advocated for regular hand washing to kill germs. he discovered a new type of medicine that could treat infections. he discovered the cause of mad cow disease, an emerging disease.

The correct answer is the third statement.

Explanation:

Alexander Fleming was a Scottish biologist, pharmacologist, and botanist. He discovered Penicillin by accident in 1928. While performing research for determining the characteristics of staphylococci, he stacked all the research jars containing staphylococci in the corner of his lab and went to enjoy the holiday with his family.  

After coming back, he witnessed that some of the jars had fungus surrounding them and the majority of staphylococci got eradicated. This marked the discovery of penicillin. It was a novel kind of medicine, which exhibited a tendency to treat infections. Thus, it can be concluded that he discovered a novel kind of medicine, which could treat infections.