First Discovery of ‘Moon Milk’ Bacteria in Turkiye

First Discovery of ‘Moon Milk’ Bacteria in Hayat Kayası Cave, Bafra, Samsun

In a groundbreaking discovery, ‘Moon Milk’ bacteria have been found in the Hayat Kayası Cave, located between the Esençay and Başaran neighborhoods in Bafra, Samsun, northern Turkey. This finding is significant as it marks the first occurrence of ‘Moon Milk’ bacteria in the country.

Details of the Discovery

Associate Professor Faruk Aylar from Ondokuz Mayıs University announced the discovery, stating, “We have found ‘Moon Milk’ bacteria in Hayat Kayası Cave. This substance, known as ‘Moon Milk,’ is used for its antibiotic properties, particularly in England and Scotland. There are plans to develop medications from it.” He further explained that samples collected from the cave are currently being analyzed by microbiologists.

Significance of Hayat Kayası Cave

Dr. Aylar emphasized the importance of Hayat Kayası Cave, describing it as one of the rare cave formations in the Black Sea region. He noted, “This cave is a karstic formation created by the dissolution of limestone. It is approximately 170 meters long and resembles the letter ‘T.’ We have conducted preliminary studies and scientific publications on this cave, which is a significant natural heritage site for Samsun.”

Research on ‘Moon Milk’ Bacteria

Dr. Aylar highlighted that this type of research has not been conducted in Turkey before, making it a pioneering study. The cave is divided into three sections: the illuminated area, the twilight zone, and the completely dark section. The ‘Moon Milk’ formation is found in the twilight zone, where microbial effects play a crucial role in its development. Collaborating with faculty members from the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the team has begun to gather initial findings and conducts regular monthly visits to the cave.

Future Prospects

Dr. Aylar expressed optimism about the potential of the ‘Moon Milk’ bacteria, stating, “Our initial findings have yielded promising results. We will strive to transform this discovery into a product and secure a patent.” The research aims to explore the unique properties of the ‘Moon Milk’ bacteria and their possible applications in medicine.