Fun Facts – 6 November 2013

Fun Fact #1

Chemists have recently isolated blood from the American Alligator and have successfully destroyed twenty-three strains of bacteria. This includes bacteria that have been known to be resistant to antibiotics. The blood also destroyed a significant amount of HIV when tested. Analysing Alligator blood futher may provide a phenomenal breakthrough in developing new medicines.

Fun Fact #2

Researchers have discovered that elephants are afraid of bees and flee when they hear the telltale sound of a bee swarm approaching. They are thought to be scared of the tiny insects as they can sting the elephants around their eyes, inside their trunks and the stings can pierce the skin of young calves.

A new study shows that the elephants use a specific warning rumble when they hear bees approaching to warn the rest of the herd. This is the first time an alarm call has been identified in elephants.