Alpine bacteria show unexpected ability to fight viruses
EPFL researchers collected samples from 24 alpine lakes in Valais, Switzerland, and isolated 200 bacterial strains. In laboratory experiments, these bacteria resisted bacteriophage attacks and also reduced the infectivity of unrelated viruses such as Echovirus 11, Influenza A, and Potato virus X. The study suggests potential biotechnological applications, including protecting hydroponic crops and improving water safety.
EPFL researchers collected samples from 24 alpine lakes in Valais, Switzerland, and isolated 200 bacterial strains. In laboratory experiments, these bacteria resisted bacteriophage attacks and also reduced the infectivity of unrelated viruses such as Echovirus 11, Influenza A, and Potato virus X. The study suggests potential biotechnological applications, including protecting hydroponic crops and improving water safety.
The findings offer data that Swiss AI researchers could use to model and predict broad-spectrum antiviral mechanisms in microbial communities.
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