Science
How humans domesticated the bacterium behind Botox treatments
Source: Phys.org · Published
Clostridium botulinum bacteria produce a potent neurotoxin called botulinum toxin, which causes the serious illness botulism. The toxin attacks the nervous system, leaving the body unable to control its muscles and making every breath a struggle. Without immediate treatment, botulism can be fatal. Humans, however, have managed to domesticate this dangerous bacterium to do their bidding. Over more…
Key points
- Clostridium botulinum bacteria produce a potent neurotoxin called botulinum toxin, which causes the serious illness botulism.
- The toxin attacks the nervous system, leaving the body unable to control its muscles and making every breath a struggle.
- Without immediate treatment, botulism can be fatal.
- Humans, however, have managed to domesticate this dangerous bacterium to do their bidding.
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