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Viruses In Mucus Protect From Infection

Posted by Unknown on 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."

3 of 75 comments (clear)

  1. why are you eating boogers? by hguorbray · · Score: 4, Informative

    I'm protecting my myself from bacteria -honest....

    I'm just sayin'

  2. Snot's cool. by SternisheFan · · Score: 4, Informative
    Mucus drips down the sinus and keep gastric juices from destroying the stomach. Amazing stuff, snot is.

    "Mucus is known to prevent particles such as dust, pollen, bacteria and dirt from reaching the lungs and the trachea. This is because these particles can cause irritation and infections to the lungs. Mucus is usually produced in the nose, where it lubricates the hairs found within the lining of the nose."

    http://www.ask.com/question/what-does-mucus-do

  3. Re:Well, that might explain a few things by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    It's 'Viruses'. People who think otherwise have their heads up their anii.