AI Summary

Columbia researchers have identified a new bacterial antiviral system named DRT10, which uses a defense‑associated reverse transcriptase to protect bacteria from viral infection. The discovery parallels the CRISPR system, suggesting a similar mechanism that may have influenced early evolutionary steps toward complex organisms. Scientists propose that DRT10 could be engineered into a gene‑editing tool capable of slowing cellular aging and enhancing cancer treatments. The study highlights how ancient bacterial defenses may inform future biomedical applications.

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