Despite its tiny size, bacteria are incredibly tricky. To protect themselves and their colony from the effects of antibiotics, can they evade danger by being in hibernation, or to develop a genetic resistance to the drugs. Researchers from the University of California at Northridge found another protective strategy dangerous bacteria, some of them can take the hit and die to the rest of the colony remained intact.
To prove this, the researchers took a colony of E. coli and subjected her to the attack of antimicrobial peptide called LL37. These peptides naturally produced by the human skin and organs to protect against external bacteria. To see how they move between bacteria, the researchers had painted them in glowing green color.
Scientists noticed that the colony was a small group of bacteria, which took the biggest blow. This group, of course, quickly died, but gave the rest of the bacteria able to live and reproduce. In fact, she sacrificed herself for the good of the whole colony.
To verify their findings, scientists were not limited to physical experiments. They developed a mathematical model with a different number of bacteria and dose of antimicrobials was discovered that the absorption of the molecules of the bacteria do die, and other growth though is slowing down, but continues.
According to study co-Sattar, Taheri-Araghi, the new discovery became the cause of many issues. Having carefully studied the behaviour of bacteria, the researchers hope to develop more effective drugs, which provide all the strategic moves of pathogens.
What do you think, is it possible for them to create the perfect remedy for dangerous bacteria? My opinion about the opening, you can write in the comments or in our Telegram chat.