Viruses In Mucus Protect From Infection

Posted by Unknown on Monday May 20, 2013 @10:18AM from the just-using-you dept.

ananyo writes "Researchers have discovered that animal mucus — ' whether from humans, fish or corals' — is loaded with bacteria-killing viruses called phages. These protect their hosts from infection by destroying incoming bacteria. In return, the phages are exposed to a steady torrent of microbes in which to reproduce. Mucus mainly consists of huge molecular complexes called mucins, which are made up of thousands of glycan sugars attached to a central protein backbone. The team showed that phages stick to these sugars, reducing the number of bacteria that can attach to mucus by more than 10,000 times."

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Re:Don't bother to read the article. by MickyTheIdiot · 2013-05-20 10:48 · Score: 2, Funny

Ray Manzarek dies and this shit gets posted?
Have some PRIORITIES, man!
Re:Old knowledge by Ryanrule · 2013-05-20 11:26 · Score: 3, Funny

So I should lick my prostitutes first?
Re:Interesting... by drinkypoo · 2013-05-20 12:05 · Score: 3, Funny

Actually I just know the guy; we work together. I'll bug him tomorrow for you.
Not if his mucus has anything to say about it.

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"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"