Read the passage below and answer the questions.

Devil's Milk to the Rescue

Many people associate Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) with aggression and screeching. However, these unique marsupials may hold the key to solving a major global health crisis. Scientists have identified potent antimicrobial peptides known as cathelicidins (specifically Saha-CATH5) in the milk of female devils. They hope these naturally occurring peptides can be engineered to create treatments for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, particularly those acquired in intensive care units.

Researchers successfully sequenced the genes responsible for producing these cathelicidins. In vitro trials revealed that synthetic Saha-CATH5 successfully destroyed several notorious bacterial species, including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and Enterococcus faecium. These 'super-pathogens' are highly resistant to standard clinical therapies and cause life-threatening systemic infections.

Further investigations into Saha-CATH5 showed it also promotes healing by stimulating the migration of local epithelial cells to close wounds. Additionally, the peptide successfully eradicated seven out of ten strains of the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus in active cultures.

Tasmanian devils have evolved a highly robust innate immune system that operates differently from the human immune response. While humans often rely on vaccination to trigger an adaptive response and establish long-term immunological memory, devils rely heavily on innate chemical barriers to destroy pathogens rapidly upon first exposure. This innate protection is vital for joeys in the pouch, and for adults who frequently sustain deep, pathogen-rich bite wounds from rivals when defending their territories during the competitive mating season.

Scientists are now seeking to modify the primary structure of Saha-CATH5 to increase its stability against proteolytic enzymes, paving the way for a new generation of clinical antibiotics and antifungals.