
11/06/2025
Ha!
Inspired by an ancient practice of placing live frogs in milk to prevent spoilage, scientists discovered a trove of new antibiotic substances.
An old Russian folk remedy — dropping a frog into a bucket of milk to keep it fresh — has inspired scientists to uncover a promising new source of antibiotics.
Researchers from the American Chemical Society delved into this unusual tradition and discovered that the skin of the Russian Brown frog is rich in antimicrobial peptides, natural substances that protect amphibians from harmful bacteria in their damp environments.
Using advanced laboratory techniques, the team identified 76 previously unknown compounds in the frog’s skin, bringing the total to nearly 100.
Remarkably, some of these peptides were shown to be as effective against bacteria like Salmonella and Staphylococcus as modern prescription antibiotics. These findings not only validate ancient rural practices but could also pave the way for new treatments in the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections.
learn more https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121212130858.htm