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Platypus milk protein could ‘save lives’
Researchers from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, have discovered why platypus milk is so potent.

Protein contains unique antibacterial properties 

Australian scientists are one step closer to using platypus milk to save human lives.

In 2010, researchers discovered that platypus milk contained unique antibacterial compounds that could be used to combat superbugs. Now a team of researchers from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, have discovered why platypus milk is so potent
.

The research has been published in the journal, Structural Biology Communications.

“Platypus are such weird animals that it would make sense for them to have weird biochemistry,” said lead author Dr Jane Newman. “By taking a closer look at their milk, we’ve characterised a new protein that has unique antibacterial properties with the potential to save lives.”

Platypuses are unique mammals in that they feed their young by secreting milk through the pores of their skin. Exposing the mother’s highly nutritious milk to the environment, however, leaves young open to the threat of bacteria.

Dr Julie Sharp from Deakin University, who worked with CSIRO on the project, said this was why researchers believed the milk contained a protein with antibacterial characteristics.

Employing CSIRO’s Collaborative Crystallisation Centre, the scientists successfully recreated the milk protein, then deciphered its structure to get a better understanding of it.

The scientists dubbed the protein the ‘Shirley Temple’ due to its ringlet-like shape. Interestingly, they discovered the protein has a novel fold in its structure, which they say will inform future drug research.

"Although we’ve identified this highly unusual protein as only existing in monotremes, this discovery increases our knowledge of protein structures in general, and will go on to inform other drug discovery work done at the Centre," said Dr Newman.

The team are now seeking collaborators to take the potentially life-saving platypus research to the next stage.

Image (C) Laura Romin and Larry Dalton.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.