New study reveals potential health benefits in alligator blood

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ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — A new study is revealing hidden health benefits in alligator blood.

Alligators from the St. Augustine alligator farm are helping researchers at George Mason University create new treatments for infections.

Because of where alligators live and what they eat, their blood is filled with molecules that naturally fight off bacteria and infections.

Researchers hope to use the blood as a model to create new way to help people who get hurt at home and those on the battlefield.

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“I think that's fantastic. If they can do something like that,” said Gary Fisher, a visitor.

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“That they could help us that way -- that's exciting and interesting,” said Cathy Pochedly, a visitor.

This research is part of a 5 year project that is worth over $7.5 million and is being funded by the Department of Defense.