Women’s wee could hold the key to tackling antibiotic-resistance bacteria

OH, NO, YOU’RE JUST TAKING THE PISS, RIGHT?

Researchers at Loyola University Chicago have found a plethora of never-before-seen viruses deep in the recesses of a woman’s bladder, that could be used to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These bacteriophages — bacteria-infecting viruses — have been listed and described in ‘the Journal of Bacteriology’, and this rich tinkling hoard could be used to combat bacterial infections. Phages exclusively only infect bacteria, with each phage species able to attack only a few types of bacteria, by taking over bacterial DNA. Unfortunately, scientists still don’t know enough to use these viruses safely and effectively. The researchers are currently studying the individual viruses to find out which ones could be put to good use.