Scientists found an anemone that can distinguish helpful bacteria from harmful bacteria without...
Source: Times of India
Category: Science
Region: General
Published: July 20, 2026 at 17:33
π Summary
Sea anemones distinguish helpful bacteria from harmful invaders without antibodies. Specialized cell structures engulf and destroy foreign bacteria while preserving beneficial microbes. Gene editing revealed a key gene regulating this selective bacterial identification process. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about early animal immune system evolution. These primitive pathways offer insights into ancient immune memory and maternal transfer.