CRISPR–Cas Found to Regulate Bacteria's Built-In Anti-Phage Defences

Researchers found that CRISPR–Cas systems act beyond direct phage targeting: they use CRISPR RNA-like guides to transcriptionally regulate diverse innate bacterial defence systems. This balances antiviral protection against fitness costs, and when CRISPR itself is compromised, it hyperactivates other defences. The findings establish a layered bacterial immunity-guard network with implications for understanding microbial immune architecture.

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🔬 Science 30,000-year-old permafrost bacteria were already resistant to modern antibiotics National Geographic PL · 4h ago 💡 Did You Know Science word of the day: Autotroph — organisms that feed themselves from inorganic sources Live Science · 6d ago 🔬 Science 37-year soil experiment reveals warming releases hidden carbon Science Daily · 11d ago