Superbug
Photo: giantmicrobes.com
We all know—or have heard of—the superbug MRSA. In recent years, it has spread rapidly through hospitals and is increasingly difficult to combat. Much of this is due to human overuse of antibiotics, which has led to the emergence of resistant strains. However, what I honestly didn't know, until I came across a scientific study—admittedly quite old and I'm not sure where it stands now—is that Australian scientists may have discovered a way to help the body fight superbugs.
Platypus Milk: An Unlikely Ally Against Superbugs
Australian scientists have found that the milk of the platypus, an unusual aquatic mammal native to Tasmania and Australia, contains chemical compounds that can help fight superbugs.
Photo credit: Pete Walsh
In 2010, scientists from Deakin University discovered that platypus milk contains lactation proteins with potential antibacterial properties.
Platypuses are the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live offspring. Because they lack nipples, mothers express milk onto their abdomen, and the young drink it directly from there.
Scientists believe the antibacterial properties of platypus milk are associated with their reproductive system, designed to protect them from infections. When mammals developed nipples, the sterile secretion system for milk became less necessary.
Since this research dates back to 2010, I was interested in the continuation of the study, but I was to lazy to search for it. I asked the AI to look into that for me.
This is the answer what I got:
Scientific breakthrough – 2018
Scientists from CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), in collaboration with Deakin University, isolated and decoded the structure of the antibacterial protein, which they named Monotreme Lactation Protein (MLP). What they discovered was a unique three-dimensional structure, called the "Shirley Temple fold" — a shape not found in over 100,000 known protein structures. This structure is key to its strong antibacterial activity, particularly against superbugs like Staphylococcus aureus. Further studies have confirmed the antibacterial activity of MLP against various harmful bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, at concentrations as low as 1 µg/ml. However, it showed no effect on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Salmonella enterica.
Quoted text was generated by AI
From the above, it is interesting to note that the MLP protein is effective against more dangerous bacteria, but almost completely ineffective against less dangerous bacteria.
Just wonder how many cures would be found and people saved if humanity focused more on such things and less on nonsense like wars and weapons.
