Word: wrangham
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Dates: during 1992-1992
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While studying chimpanzees in Tanzania 20 years ago, Professor of Anthropology Richard W. Wrangham discovered several plants, used medicinally by the animals. One such plant contains an oil that kills bacteria, fungi and parasitic worms. Another is an effective antibiotic, and a third induces labor or abortion...
...Wrangham reported his findings to members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AASA) at the association's annual meeting this month. The anthropologist also told members that an oil he discovered kills cancer cells that are particularly resistant to drugs...
...Wrangham's work took him from Tanzania to Uganda searching for species of animals which utilize plants for medicinal purposes. One drug, nicknamed a 'bear balm,' is used by bears to discourage ticks and a fungus similar to athlete's foot...
Drug companies are currently looking into possible uses of the plants, but widespread acceptance is at least a decade away, Wrangham said last week. Researchers are investigating one of the compounds as a pesticide against nematodes...