✉news ScienceBiology first seen 14 h ago, last 9 h ago, peak #22
Oysters Use Chemical Switch in Mucus to Manage Microbiome
Original: Oysters Use a Chemical Redox Switch in Mucus to Control Their Microbiome
Researchers report that oysters regulate the microbial communities living on and inside them through a chemical redox switch present in their mucus. By shifting the oxidation-reduction chemistry of their secretions, the animals can favour helpful microbes and suppress harmful ones. The finding offers a new perspective on how bivalves defend themselves without an adaptive immune system, and could inform aquaculture and microbiome research.
Why now: Newly published research revealing a novel chemical mechanism oysters use to control their microbiome is drawing scientific and media attention.
Evidence
- Oysters Use a Chemical Redox Switch in Mucus to Control Their Microbiome · Bioengineer.org
API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/1130418