A new study has revealed some fascinating insights into how bacteria defend themselves against attacks from predators like viruses. The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, suggest that bacteria can use their own immune system to adapt to different environments, allowing them to survive in hostile conditions. The research team, led by scientists from the University of Oxford, studied the behavior of Escherichia coli, a common type of bacteria found in the gut. By tracking changes in the bacteria’s gene expression over time, they were able to identify patterns which suggest that bacteria can use their own immune system to adapt to different environments. The findings provide new insight into how bacteria can respond to threats, and could eventually lead to better treatments for bacterial infections.

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source: Phys.org