A breakthrough discovery has found platypus milk could save lives from deadly super bugs.
The mammal could have the qualities in their milk to fight against anti-bacterial resistance.
Research conducted by the CSIRO and Deakin University have found the mammal’s milk is so potent that it contains antibacterial properties that can fight deadly illnesses.
This protein has never been discovered before and could be used to kill off bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics
Scientists have pinpointed a curly protein in the milk and dubbed it the ‘Shirley Temple’
This protein has never been discovered before and could be used to kill off bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics.
‘Platypus are such weird animals that it would make sense for them to have weird biochemistry,’ CSIRO scientist and lead author Dr Janet Newman told Structural Biology Communications.
Platypus have an unusual way to feed their young which may contribute to their natural remedy.
The platypus is a monotreme, which along with echidnas, are the only mammals that lay eggs and produce milk to feed their young
The mammal’s milk is so potent and unique that it contains antibacterial properties that can fight deadly illnesses
‘By taking a closer look at their milk, we’ve characterised a new protein that has unique antibacterial properties with the potential to save lives,’ CSIRO scientist Dr Janet Newman said on Thursday.
As they don’t have teats platypus express milk on to their belly for the babies to suckle on.
The platypus is a monotreme, which along with echidnas, are the only mammals that lay eggs and produce milk to feed their young.
In 2014 the World Health Organisation pleaded for urgent action to avoid a “post-antibiotic era” where people would be dying from once-treatable minor injuries and common infections due to antibiotic resistant super bugs.