Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that bacteria use toxins not only as weapons, but also as a way to send encrypted messages to nearby related bacteria.
In the university’s podcast Forskarpodden, Professor Sanna Koskiniemi explains that bacteria such as E. coli communicate by releasing molecules that influence behavior within their population. The research shows that certain toxins are directed at immune “sibling” bacteria to transmit signals rather than to kill.
Scientists believe this communication may help bacteria enter dormant states to survive antibiotic treatment or form protective biofilms. Understanding this “secret language” could open new ways to disrupt harmful bacterial behavior and potentially reduce antibiotic use in the future.
Source: Uppsala University
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