New research reveals that a fundamental process in bacterial gene regulation called sigma cycle, long thought to involve the release of a key protein, sigma factor, might not be universal, opening new avenues for understanding and combating bacterial threats.

Researchers described a close association between microbes and plants that they live in, and how this relationship benefits both. The association, called the ‘rhizophagy cycle’, involves friendly bacteria and fungi that live in the roots of specific plants and help in nutrient transfer.