Disgusting but Healing Maggot Juice

If there is a more disgusting sight than a pile of maggots, I havent seen it. With that aside, researchers believe they have discovered what makes maggots effective healers of wounds like ulcers and burns. According to a new study, maggots secrete a fluid that helps them consume decaying tissue, which is usually a breeding ground for bacteria that prevents proper healing. Using maggots on wounds (a practice that dates hundreds of years and is commonly known as maggot therapy) provides the underlying tissue a better chance to heal. Now, researchers have developed an enzyme from maggot fluid that could soon be available for patients who need to treat open wounds, specifically via an over-the-counter gel. As long as this treatment is effective and kept away from the toothpaste aisle, Ill learn to live with this creepiness.

Via