The Silent Battle: Viruses' Covert Tactics in Infecting Cells
Scientists at Princeton University have discovered a complex battle between eavesdropping viruses called bacteriophages and the bacteria they infect. These viruses can adopt different strategies, either remaining hidden within the host or launching a full-scale attack. The researchers found that one virus could "eavesdrop" on bacterial communication, listening for a chemical signal known as the "We have a quorum!" message. They also observed that when activating a kill signal, three subpopulations of bacteria responded differently to the phages. By manipulating the triggers, they were able to replicate only one phage at a time. This research provides insights into viral genes and could lead to new biological discoveries and medical innovations.