Frog

African clawed frogs are also used in research. They have long been used by developmental biologists to study various aspects of the early development of organisms.

Magainins are a remarkable family of antibiotics first isolated from the skin of these frogs. These peptides, which facilitate wound healing, are the key to the frogs' set of defenses against disease.

Apparently more versatile than other classes of antibiotics, magainins are active in the test tube against many types of bacteria, as well as fungi, protozoa and some viruses.

Some research also suggests that magainins may kill certain kinds of cancer cells. Magainins have been shown to be present in mice and humans as well.

Since these peptides appear to be active against protozoa, including the kinds that cause malaria, this work has important implications for tropical countries, where malaria is a major cause of human and animal deaths.