"Cockroaches may really be superbugs (UKPA) - 7 hours ago Cockroaches have long been regarded as an unwanted pest but in fact they could hold the secret to treating the most resilient of superbugs, scientists have said. Tests have found tissue from the brains and nervous systems of the insects can kill off more than 90% of MRSA and E.coli infections without harming human cells. Until now, cockroaches have been seen as a health hazard, to be found in dank and dingy hotels. But Simon Lee, a postgraduate researcher at the University of Nottingham, says they hold powerful antibiotic properties after discovering nine different molecules in their tissues which are toxic to bacteria. He said: "We hope that these molecules could eventually be developed into treatments for E.coli and MRSA infections that are increasingly resistant to current drugs. "These new antibiotics could potentially provide alternatives to currently available drugs that may be effective but have serious and unwanted side effects." He added: "Insects often live in unsanitary and unhygienic environments where they encounter many different types of bacteria. It is therefore logical that they have developed ways of protecting themselves against micro-organisms." Mr Lee's research has focused on the study of specific properties of the antibacterial molecules which are now being tested on numerous superbugs. According to the Society for General Microbiology, the pharmaceutical industry is generating fewer and fewer new antibiotics due to lack of financial incentives, resulting in a high demand for alternative sources of new drugs. Mr Lee presented his findings to fellow scientists at the society's autumn meeting at the University of Nottingham. Dr Naveed Khan is supervising Mr Lee's work. He said: "Superbugs such as MRSA have developed resistance against the standard therapies and treatments that we throw at them. They have shown the ability to cause untreatable infections, and have become a major threat in our fight against bacterial diseases. Thus, there is a continuous need to find additional sources of novel antimicrobials to confront this menace.""
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I just can't get over the "ick" factor here. But I'm glad that some scientists can look at all the options.
However: Allicin can be effective against MSRA. That's been proven in studies done in U.K. hospitals, etc. But no one will go forward with that as it's just too simple, smelly or not profitable to pharmaceutical companies as garlic cannot be trademarked.
IV Garlic has been used for a very long time in China. That would be very good for many if we'd only use that here. Some NDs, do, though (ND = naturopathic doctor).
We have so much at our fingertips from the plant world. Colloidal Silver, too, is very powerful.
Antibacterial activity of a new, stable, aqueous extract of allicin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
British Journal of Biomedical Science, 2004 by Cutler, R R, Wilson, P -
Posted by JunkYardWily (Member # 24271) on :
quote:Originally posted by Keebler: - I just can't get over the "ick" factor here. -
i would eat rat brain and drink cow urine if it cured me.
im sure it will take them about 10 years to develop anything from this, if they do at all.
IV garlic? how does that work? i read that swallowing a clove does one no good. whats best way to take garlic?
Posted by hadlyme (Member # 6364) on :
Agree, there is a ewwww factor here.
But.. it's sort of funny to think that if we get a disease from a bug, that another bug's brains could make us better!
Pretty 'tongue in cheek' don't you think?
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
Very gross but interesting. There is the lizard blood too.
I wouldn't go for ingesting roasted cockroaches but, it might not be so horrible if in little capsules.
Posted by 2roads (Member # 4409) on :
"the pharmaceutical industry is generating fewer and fewer new antibiotics due to lack of financial incentives, resulting in a high demand for alternative sources of new drugs".
That makes me so mad. Financial incentives? Well, it's pretty obvious that the financial aspect of manufacturing drugs has shifted to treating the symptoms relentlessly, without providing a cure. That's disgusting, especially when we are limited by physicians as to what we can use under the pretense of drug immunity, not generation of fewer and fewer antibiotics due to lack of financial incentives.
Posted by kday (Member # 22234) on :
Forget plants.
How about let's use fungus, mold, bacteria, and cockroaches.
Brilliant!
Posted by PV (Member # 20436) on :
Thanks all for the replies - interesting.
Frightening when I hear that drug companies aim at treating symptoms over finding cures - but unfortunately it will make financial sense to them I guess if they go unregulated in this aspect of business
I think a cure for Lyme could well be out there in nature. Be it an evolved natural defence of an animal or insect against tough bugs or something, like the article above is suggesting.
Does anyone know if deer get Lyme or do they have inherent natural defences!?
Posted by Rivendell (Member # 19922) on :
That is an interesting question about deer and Lyme. I often wonder if they get it. Do cows get it. I think it is sad if they do.
Keebler, I have been very interested in coloidal silver, but I have heard that you can turn gray. Some say that isn't true. Do you have any info on this that can clear this up?
I have heard that people with Lyme have gotten good results with it, and I would like to try it, but I am leary.
Thanks.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Good - I'll collect them and send them right over.
Posted by D Bergy (Member # 9984) on :
Cock Roaches and Milk for breakfast.
I hope it does lead to something, but it will take some time.
Dan
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
sorry i'm still on ick...
hmm, put chocolate on them tho and i might reconsider.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
And the answer was under our feet this whole time - who knew?
Posted by average joe (Member # 26091) on :
That may not be such a stretch on the roach thing. They can live in any environment regardless of bacterias viruses ect.
It has been said many times that in the event of a nuclear holocaust scientists predict everything would become extinct except cockroaches.
Many poeple aren't aware but the blood thinner coumadin which helps so many was derived from rat poison. So who knows.......
D Bergy we've been looking for a cereal forever that stays crunchy in milk. You may have something there lol
![[Frown]](frown.gif)