Scientists are Entering The Dragons Lair!
What might sound like something straight out of a Sci-Fi movie is reality for today’s scientists who claim that the blood of Komodo dragons is filled with 48 proteins called antimicrobial peptides, an infection defense produced by all living creatures, that one day may be used in drugs to protect humans. What’s so special about the Komodo Dragon’s blood? Well firstly Komodo Dragonss have more than 50 different types of bacteria in their mouths but they are very healthy animals. Their saliva is so full of bacteria that it’s considered so poisonous that even a nip can kill! What’s more amazing is that they are even immune to the bite of another Komodo!
Komodo Dragons have thrived for thousands of years in isolation on Indonesian islands despite competing with other venomous reptiles all the while having to hunt pray like large buffalo! They contend with yearly drought, monsoons and even tsunamis! It’s simply no wonder these amazing reptiles are strong outside as well as inside!
There is a global resistance going on right now and it happens to be antibiotics v’s infections, and we are slowly loosing the battle! The blood of the Komodo Dragon just might be what scientists need to create a lifesaving formula.
Scientists extracted just one of the 48 antimicrobial peptides in a Komodo Dragons blood, and they created a new synthetic peptide called DRGN-1 (Dragon One) which effectively kills infection causing bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics. When DRGN-1 was tested on living bacteria and on wounds infected with bacteria, the results were AMAZING! The wounds healed much faster than if left untreated.
So could the key to infection resistance really be found hidden within the blood of the Komodo dragon? What could be an amazingly important discovery to mankind will need more time, research and testing. I guess only time and more research will tell, come visit our blog again soon for a follow up blog post with more information!
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