Antibacterial clays could fight superbugs

Alexandria, Va. — Doctors and public health officials are concerned about the growing number of antibiotic-resistant superbugs like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile (C. diff), as well as more common, yet still dangerous, bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Now, doctors and public health officials may have a surprising ally in the fight against these bacteria: natural clays. According to a new study, clays with antibacterial properties found near Crater Lake in Oregon could eventually lead to new agents in the fight against these bacteria.

Scientists have long known that clays such as French green clays can treat some bacterial infections, including those caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, which causes skin ulcerations called Buruli ulcers that are common in Africa. The new research suggests that red, blue and white clays from the Crater Lake area have the potential to treat an even wider array of health issues.

The research and the varying ways that clays neutralize bacteria are discussed in the January issue of EARTH magazine.

For more stories about the science of our planet, check out EARTH magazine online or subscribe at www.earthmagazine.org. The January issue, now available on the digital newsstand, features stories on how American geoscientists are helping Afghanistan develop sustainable water resources, new dates for when Neanderthals died out, and the discovery of old, sunken ships in San Francisco Bay, plus much, much more.