Tea Could End Bio-war

By Arwen Wilcock

Come the apocalypse, the good old British cuppa will stand us in good stead. The housewife’s comfort and general heal-all may act against – wait for it – anthrax.

Scientists from Cardiff and Maryland have discovered that chemicals in black tea, such as polyphenols, are able to inhibit the activity of the anthrax bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. Professor Les Baillie of Cardiff University said, "Our research sought to determine if English Breakfast tea was more effective than a commercially available American medium roast coffee at killing anthrax."

While anthrax mainly affects animals, it can occasionally infect any unwitting human who comes into contact with one of these animals. Despite the rare occurrence of natural human infection, anthrax poses a possible threat

as an agent of biological warfare. Its spores can result in a fatal infection if inhaled. Only extreme heat or steam can kill these spores, which can be stored for decades and spread as easily as aerosols.

Should we be faced with an anthrax bio-terror attack, the super hero of hot beverages could save us. It’ll be black tea all round, though. Milk completely inhibits the action of cha against anthrax. “In the event that we are faced with a potential bio-terror attack, individuals may want to forgo their dash of milk at least until the situation is under control," said Baille.

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