Better immune defense against anthrax.

Scientists discover a gene in anthrax-causing bacteria may help defend against this form of bio-warfare (see also Faculty of 1000: Biology and Medicine).

Spread of the deadly disease anthrax by spores of the bacterium Bacillus anthracis is a known terrorism risk and protection includes finding ways to treat the disease, according to an academic paper reviewed by Faculty of 1000.

Scientists from the University of California (San Diego) have identified a gene in B. anthracis that not only contributes to the severity of the anthrax disease but also makes it more difficult for a patient's immune system to fight the infection.

Mattias Collin, of Lund University, …