French Dirt May Kill MRSA

Researchers said that a type of French clay can kill several disease-causing bacteria, including M. ulcerans, which is known as a "flesh-eating" bacteria, and the so-called super bug, MRSA.

"There are very compelling reports of clay treating infections, but that's anecdotal evidence, not science," said Lynda Williams of Arizona State University.

Williams is coordinating three research teams looking into the millennia-old practice of using clay to heal wounds, soothe indigestion and kill intestinal worms.

"We're beginning to generate the first scientific evidence of why some minerals might kill bacterial organisms and others might not," said Williams.

A news release said other laboratory tests have shown that clay can kill E. coli.