Chimps Discover New Antibiotic!

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When penicillin was first used as an antibiotic, it was considered a wonder drug. Infections which had been fatal for thousands of years were all of a sudden curable.

Man has long known that some natural substances have a natural ability to fight infection. But recently modern medicine had to step aside and acknowledge that not all medical breakthroughs are made by doctors - or even human beings!

For years it has been known that the roots and leaves of the Aspilia shrub are used as a traditional African treatment for wounds and stomach aches. Researchers also observed chimpanzees swallowing the leaves of the shrub. This led them to investigate more about the leaves. They learned that Aspilia leaves and roots contain a chemical which kills some infectious bacteria as well as fungi and worms. Researchers hope to learn whether this chemical is safe and effective for humans when taken orally.

However, the mystery remains. How did the chimps discover the antibiotic nature of Aspilia? We need to look to our Creator, Who appears to have given the chimps this knowledge. For while disease and death is not part of His original design for the creation, He was loving enough to provide medicinal help for these consequences of human sin. But the permanent cure for sin and death began with the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ.