Researchers have discovered a new life form in our saliva, and it’s linked to human disease

Researchers in the US have discovered a brand new life form hiding inside our saliva – a type of parasitic bacteria called Bdellovibrio.

The bacterium only has 700 genes and is the first strain ever discovered that’s completely dependent on other bacterium for survival. If that wasn’t creepy enough, this new life form has also been linked to a whole range of human diseases, including gum disease, cystic fibrosis, and antimicrobial resistance.

more at link…..

Postpocelipse said:

Researchers have discovered a new life form in our saliva, and it’s linked to human disease

Researchers in the US have discovered a brand new life form hiding inside our saliva – a type of parasitic bacteria called Bdellovibrio.

The bacterium only has 700 genes and is the first strain ever discovered that’s completely dependent on other bacterium for survival. If that wasn’t creepy enough, this new life form has also been linked to a whole range of human diseases, including gum disease, cystic fibrosis, and antimicrobial resistance.

more at link…..

“Scientists think as many as half the microbes in our spit are yet to be properly identified. It’s incredibly exciting to see such a major advancement in the study of major lineages of life that until now have been impossible to cultivate”.

I agree. Incredibly exciting.