You’ve seen animals licking their wounds. And maybe the first thing you do when you cut your finger is put it in your mouth and suck on it for a moment. It turns out these instinctive urges have good reason: scientists in the Netherlands have isolated a compound in human saliva that not only kills bacteria but actually promotes healing. This would explain why oral wounds like tooth extractions and tongue piercings heal so quickly. It’s nurture, by nature.
The scientists hope to synthesize this compound and use it to help hard-to-heal wounds like diabetic ulcers and burn traumas. But remember, you’ve got your own anti-bacterial and healing compounds right there in your mouth, so if you’re caught somewhere without a first aid kit – just spit!