Alligator Blood May Be Source of New Antibiotics

esocid writes "Biochemists from McNeese State University have described how proteins in gator blood may provide a source of powerful new antibiotics to help fight infections associated with diabetic ulcers and severe burns. This new class of drug could also crack so-called 'superbugs' that are resistant to conventional medication. Previous studies have showed alligators have an unusually strong immune system; unlike humans, alligator immune systems can defend against microorganisms such as fungi, viruses, and bacteria without having prior exposure to them. Scientists believe that this is an evolutionary adaptation to promote quick wound healing, as alligators are often injured during fierce territorial battles."

Comments

superbugs

[biased_estimator]

This new class of drug could also crack so-called 'superbugs' that are resistant to conventional medication.

Sure, until we use these new antibiotics so recklessly (or simply so often) that we select for resistant strains.

Re:superbugs

[speaktruth]

"The fact that people will misuse drugs does not mean we shouldn't make them available."

Someone should probably tell that to the DEA before we waste any more resources on this whole war on drugs thing.

Cost of Complexity is a Myth

[eldavojohn]

There was very recent research that was quite extensive that showed this cost of complexity in evolution is a myth. I don't know why you think it has to come at a cost, it just so happens that alligators needed it to live in their conditions and with their temperaments.

You can sit here all day and question why we don't have some of the obvious advantage traits that any other animal has and the answer is simple: we didn't require it. If humans needed it and didn't have it, we wouldn't be around.

Explain your logic on why this must come at a price? The random evolution happened in alligators and may be present in other animals (or extinct relatives).