what is antibiotic resistance?
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Scientists scanned the Tasmanian devil’s genome and analysed the molecular structure of the milk, they found six naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides in the cathelicidins family that were "three to six times more effective" against a range of fungal infections than a common anti-fungal medication.
Two varieties of peptides - Saha-CATH5 and Saha-CATH6 - have been singled out for being particularly effective in killing bacteria that are harmful to humans. "Of the six characterised cathelicidins, Saha-CATH5 and 6 have broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and are capable of killing problematic human pathogens," the team concludes. With drug resistant infections expected to kill more people than cancer each year if things keep going as they are, we need a solution, and fast. The researchers are now investigating if the synthetic version of these peptides can be used safely in humans. These peptides are killing superbugs, so there is potential for future development into antibiotics. |
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