Germ killer in milk

[JPace]

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,18876321%255E2862,00.html

Germ killer in milk
Fay Burstin
21apr06

VICTORIAN scientists have discovered a unique anti-germ molecule in wallaby milk that is 100 times stronger than penicillin.

The discovery by the Department of Primary Industries' animal genetics team could be used in hospitals to fight deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Lead researcher Ben Cocks said wallaby joeys were born with a primitive immune system and no ability to make antibodies against infection for the first 100 days.

Using sophisticated DNA technology, the Victorian team found a molecule in wallaby milk that killed a wide range of bacteria and fungi very effectively.

The molecule, called AGG01, is more than 100 times more effective than the strongest penicillin.

"This is possibly the most powerful broad spectrum antibacterial and antifungal in the world," Dr Cocks said.



© Herald and Weekly Times

[babylonsister]

1. Now I have to milk my wallaby?

:silly:

[Olney Blue]

4. Go ahead... make my day!

[acmavm]

2. Cool, and just wait til the new breed of bacteria that are resistant to

this super anti-whatever develop. Survival of the fittest and all that shit.

[BrklynLiberal]

5. Exact;y! It should take about 5 years, I guess.

[Selatius]

3. Won't bacteria become resistant even to this if it is abused and overused?

The reason why antibiotics are failing is overapplication, not underapplication. We wouldn't have super germs in the first place if it weren't for this practice.

[trotsky]

7. Evolution at work, yes.

While this is a significant discovery, it by no means is the end of the road nor should it now become the antibiotic du jour for every sniffly nose or sore throat.

[Fridays Child]

6. A bright spot in the news.

I hope this pans out for use against MRSA, C. difficile, and other resistant microbes.