Peptids found on the skin of African Clawed Frogs show a resistance to bacteria. This research will provide a new way to detect if medical equipment is contaiminated.

From EurekaAlert!:

Princeton engineers have developed a sensor that may revolutionize how drugs and medical devices are tested for contamination, and in the process also help ensure the survival of two species of threatened animals.

To be fair, some of the credit goes to an African frog.

In the wild, the African clawed frog produces antibacterial peptides -- small chains of amino acids -- on its skin to protect it from infection. Princeton researchers have found a way to attach these peptides, which can be synthesized in the laboratory, to a small electronic chip that emits an electrical signal when exposed to harmful bacteria, including pathogenic E. coli and salmonella.

"It's a robust, simple platform," said Michael McAlpine, an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and the lead researcher on the project. "We think these chips could replace the current method of testing medical devices and drugs."

Hopes are since frogs aren't harmed in the making of the chip, this will reduce the use of the horseshoe crabs (thus affecting the Red Knot bird population as well).