# Antibiotics from Excrement Muskrat Feces Contains Bacteria Killer and Insecticide By Pearl | Published 2008-11-19 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antibiotics-from-excrement-muskrat-faeces-contains-bacteria-killer-and-inse References: [newscientist](http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16021-invention-excrement-antibiotic.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=health) & [wipo.int](http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?WO=2008075863) The feces of muskrats, semi-aquatic rodents native to North America, has been found to contain a [powerful antibiotic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-evolved-phages) that kills the food-poisoning *Salmonella* and *Vibio* bacteria. Researchers at Pusan National University in South Korea also found that the substance can also act against *Staphylococcus aureus*, which causes many opportunistic infections. The scientists even found it effective against termites which will interest those who wish to avoid [chemical based insect control](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/refining-sulfur). They have since patented their discoveries. Muskrats are already prized for their musk used in products such as [perfumes and cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tip2toe-natural-deodorants) so this discovery will make them even more valuable. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 1% | Activity: 43% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Natural Antibiotics Discovery:** The discovery of natural antibiotics from muskrat feces presents an opportunity for the development of new antibiotic drugs. - **Eco-friendly Insecticide Solution:** The effectiveness of muskrat feces as an insecticide presents an opportunity for the development of eco-friendly alternatives to chemical-based insect control products. - **Bio-based Animal Product Development:** The discovery of valuable substances in muskrats, such as musk and now antibiotics, presents an opportunity for the development of new bio-based animal products. ### Who This Affects Most - **Pharmaceutical Industry:** The discovery of natural antibiotics presents opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry to develop new antibiotics and improve healthcare. - **Agriculture and Pest Control Industry:** The discovery of muskrat feces as an effective insecticide presents opportunities for the agriculture and pest control industry to create sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to chemical-based insect control products. - **Cosmetics Industry:** The discovery of valuable substances in muskrats presents opportunities for the cosmetics industry to develop new bio-based products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Innovative Rat Birth Control](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rat-birth-control.md) - [Rodent-Themed Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beaver-maple-edition.md) - [Antimicrobial-Resistant Infection-Fighting Treatments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antimicrobialresistant-infection.md) - [Food-Safe Sanitizer Sprays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bacteriophage-microgel-bead-spray.md) - [Veterinary Medicine Advancements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anibiom.md) - [Antibiotic Prescription Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bugs-drugs.md) - [Innovative Gut Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dietary-supplement-brand.md) - [Antibacterial Recycled Waste Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-waste-bag.md) - [Plant-Made Fish Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rps-biologiques.md)