Depending on personal taste, oysters might be loved or hated – but there’s more reason to appreciate the slimy molluscs than ever before, due to the findings of a team of Southern Cross University researchers.

New research published on Tuesday this week has discovered a protein in Sydney rock oyster blood that can kill bacteria and help increase the effectiveness of some antibiotics.

The discovery means oysters could help treat bacterial infections and fight against antimicrobial resistance in years to come.

Image: Sydney rock oysters at Sydney Fish Market in Pyrmont. Photo by dryasadingo. https://www.flickr.com/photos/dryasadingo/4113752571/

Produced By: Jessica O’Bryan

Featured In Story: Kirsten Benkendorff, Professor at the National Marine Science Centre at Southern Cross University

First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 21 January 2025