Do Bacteria Have 'Friendships'? Recent Discoveries Might Surprise You

Dr. Eran Bosis and Dr. Dor Salomon, Israeli researchers from the ORT Braude Academic College of Engineering and the Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, investigated bacterial interactions. Their intriguing discovery: bacteria have a social life similar to humans—they 'select' friends, 'combat' enemies, and exhibit distinct 'languages' and behavioral codes.

Published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, their research found that bacteria engaged in warfare with rivals have developed sophisticated 'tools' for self-defense, such as a specialized protein secretion system akin to toxic arrows.

These proteins carry toxins known as 'effectors', aptly named for their potency in neutralizing adversaries.

Curious about how these proteins don't harm their producers? Good question: Bacteria have a brilliantly designed internal mechanism—crafted by Hashem—that enables them to construct a protective barrier, shielding them from their own toxins.

According to the researchers, bacteria can 'communicate' with those they deem friendly and harmless.

What's the Aim of this Research, and How Could It Benefit Humans in the Future?

As with any study of this nature, the primary aim was to understand bacterial behavioral activities in various situations to potentially develop new antibiotic treatments.

If successful, future antibiotics could differentiate between harmful and beneficial bacteria, targeting only those responsible for specific illnesses, sparing the beneficial ones.