A BBC television producer working in Australia has stumbled on a substance that can kill bacteria immune to standard antibiotics.
The BBC's director-general Greg Dyke says the discovery was made during the filming of saltwater crocodiles in northern Australia for a science documentary.
He says the producer noticed that despite the horrendous injuries crocodiles inflict on each other, their wounds rarely get infected.
The documentary team got a blood sample from a croc and researchers have since isolated what they have termed a novel anti-microbial peptide.
Mr Dyke says tests have found the substance kills strains of virulent bacteria that are resistant to all standard antibiotics.
The substance has been named Crocodillin.
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Croc Blood Battles Superbugs 3-17-00
Scientists in the United States have isolated a powerful agent in crocodile blood which could help conquer human infections immune to standard antibiotics.
The discovery was made thanks to the curiosity of a BBC science producer filming a documentary on salt-water crocodiles in Australia, BBC Director-General Greg Dyke revealed on Thursday.
"Our producer noticed something that surprised her - despite the horrendous injuries the crocs inflict on each other, their wounds rarely get infected," he told the annual dinner of the Science Museum in London.
"She discussed this with a young croc expert who agreed that it would be interesting to try to find out why.
"After many adventures, they got their blood samples and last week a leading research institute isolated from these samples what I'm told is a novel anti-microbial peptide.
Bacteria 'blown away'
"In tests, this substance kills strains of virulent bacteria that are resistant to all standard antibiotics," Mr Dyke said.
Named crocodillin, it may one day be used in drugs to treat human infections.
The BBC chief used the story to illustrate the active part the corporation took in the development and understanding of science, and to reaffirm its commitment to coverage of the subject.
The producer at the centre of the discovery, Jill Fullerton-Smith of the Living Proof series on BBC1, said natural antibiotics had been found in various animals, including frogs, but nobody had looked at reptiles.
She told The Times newspaper that scientists at New Jersey Medical School had split a sample of crocodile blood she had sent them into component parts which had then been tested against common bacteria.
"One of them blew away the bacteria," she was quoted as saying.
A peptide is a natural chemical made of amino acids strung together that can destroy bacteria by penetrating their membranes.
Such natural antibiotics do not damage normal cells which means they can be useful as drugs to treat human infections.
I've started a group to talk about the claims, successes and bad results from Questionable Alternative Medicines. Since my wife has taken THE ANTIDOTE, super antibiotic, from http://www.biologicalmiracle.com . Please make your posts below if you have questions about CROCODILLIN, or THE ANTIDOTE, or ANY QUESTIONABLE ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES.
I've read the claims about Crocodillin, but every manufacturer of just about anything will tell you it's the best thing since sliced bread. What's the real deal?
Where can crocodile fat be purchased, and what is it called?
I have taken several doses of a form of crocodilin - about a month ago, and it has helped with many of the health issues I'd been struggling with. I would like to find a stronger form, and maybe the crocodile fat you refer to is it.
If this substantian that is found in the blood of crocodille is so interesting, than i have a proposal to try this substantian on people infected with AIDS. Perhaps the world can be helped to battle and protect against this terrible illness.
Aloha, I have researched the Antidote and just taken mine after fasting for 8 hrs. I will be back to share the findings. naturally, a healthy lifestle will benefit the results even more. Thanks for all you sharing. Where does one buy the fat? Angelicaveech@msn.com
Reader Comments (10)
THE ANTIDOTE, super antibiotic, from http://www.biologicalmiracle.com . Please make your posts below if you have questions about CROCODILLIN, or THE ANTIDOTE, or ANY QUESTIONABLE ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/questionablealternatives
Regards,
Jerry Wilson
Editor/Publisher
Vegas Buzz
I have taken several doses of a form of crocodilin - about a month ago, and it has helped with many of the health issues I'd been struggling with. I would like to find a stronger form, and maybe the crocodile fat you refer to is it.
Where do you get it?
Thanks,
Jerry
Thanks for all you sharing. Where does one buy the fat? Angelicaveech@msn.com