TheStar.com

Cockroaches appear to carry a secret weapon that can protect people against deadly superbugs, new research has found.

Dr. Naveed Khan and his team tested mashed up cockroach brains against the E. coli bacteria that cause meningitis and MRSA, the staph bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotics.

A night in a Petri dish together killed 90 per cent of the bacteria, Khan told the Star on Tuesday. The insect parts had no effect on human cells, however.

“Some of these insects live in the filthiest places known to man,” he said. Because cockroaches can survive the loss of a limb, and the brains of cockroaches are the most protected parts of their bodies, researchers had decided to look there for their answers.

Tests also examined the nervous systems of locusts for superbug-fighting power, after realizing locusts were unscathed while soldiers fighting in countries such as Afghanistan were becoming infected with bacteria that resisted treatment.

“What’s exciting is that most research has generally been done on plants,” said Khan.

Found by Obtuser.




  1. Rob Leather says:

    God, they’ll try anything to get insects on the menu 🙂

  2. ECA says:

    eat it or smoke it..

  3. bobbo, capitalism has its merits but must be checked says:

    I knew if we waited long enough, they’d find something to do with Alfie. Got to be enough brains there to cure 3-4 people?

  4. Crockadillian says:

    I was just wondering what in the world sounded good for dinner tonight..now I don’t have to wonder anymore.. Great article

  5. Animby - just phoning it in says:

    In other news: New York bedbugs found to increase average lifespan!

  6. Dallas says:

    Even E-Coli bacteria have certain standards

  7. justSayin says:

    Cockroaches have brains? Who’da thunk…

  8. The Monster's Lawyer says:

    Not just good. Good for you!

  9. chuck says:

    I bet the FDA already has an “acceptable” amount of cockroach brains that can be served in food.

  10. King Alfred the Great (Jerk Off) says:

    #3, bobbo,

    There ya go exaggerating again.

  11. deowll says:

    One could call this a God send since some bacteria seem immune to all known antibiotics but even if the can develop the product they’ll most like stick it in live stock food, etc. while MDs proscribe it for viral infections which means it won’t be long until it doesn’t work either.

  12. deowll says:

    Bleep! let me try that again!

    One could call this a God send since some harmful bacteria seem immune to all known antibiotics but, even if they can develop the product, farma will most likely just turn around and stick it in live stock food, etc. while MDs proscribe it for viral infections and the gout which means it won’t be long until it doesn’t work either.

  13. ethanol says:

    Finally! Something redeeming about cockroaches…

  14. Cursor_ says:

    Now urban cities have a new form of income.

    Raising and harvesting roach brains for science.

    Cursor_

  15. Dixie Normous says:

    I just can’t imagine the brain storming session where someone suggested smashing up roach brains. How much brains could a roach have to decide to go live with some nasty, filthy white trash?

  16. pjcamp says:

    Dick Cheney had better buy a helmet.

  17. Cursor_ says:

    #16

    Roach brains… NOT serpent brains.

    Reading comprehension, it is good for you.

    Cursor_

  18. jims says:

    Wow, I actually have a chance to make a comment and post a link to my website all while being relevant. Too bad I stopped raising cockroaches a few years back. “Did he say: ‘Raising cockroaches?'” Oh, they laughed then, but no longer…
    http://www.cockroachguy.com

  19. sargasso_c says:

    #19. jims. We stand corrected and chastened.


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