Scientists have discovered the platypus makes antimicrobials that may kill drug-resistant superbugs. The platypus once ridiculed for it's mix and match appearance could have the last laugh.

It is believed by Australian scientists, that the Platypus holds the key to beating drug-resistant superbugs and help battle climate change.  Researchers at Victoria's Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are the first in the world to isolate, synthesise and test a number of platypus proteins. They discovered several new antimicrobials, which are substances similar to antiseptics that kill bacteria.

Victorian Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said platypus antimicrobials are 10 times more powerful in killing bacteria than some antimicrobials commonly used with humans.  "If we can harness some of this potential we could better protect patients from 'superbugs,' meaning they will recover from surgery faster and spend less time in hospital," he said on Thursday.

DPI deputy secretary Dr Bruce Kefford said scientists were already using their discovery to help the livestock industry.  "If introduced into the stomachs of cattle, these platypus antimicrobials could improve an animal's digestion of feed and reduce methane production, one of Australia's largest contributors of total greenhouse gas emissions," he said.

Editors comments: I'm so pleased for the Platypus. It has never deserved the ridicule it received after Cook and Banks discovered it on their original trip to Australia and took it back to England to present to the King.  How silly would they now feel now that it seems this strange little marsupial will yet go down in history as the saviour of the human race.  Could I suggest, therefore, that this maybe the moment to stop destroying their habitat.