Chimps eat dirt to fight off malaria

  • 21/02/2008

  • Times Of India (New Delhi)

A new study has discovered that chimpanzees can fight off malaria by swallowing mouthfuls of dirt and leaves, which act as "selfmedication' for the animals. According to a report in National Geographic News, Clay soils consumed by both chimps and humans in Uganda's Kibale National Park contain high concentrations of the mineral kaolinite, a main ingredient in some anti-diarrheal medications. Experts from Mus