People love video games—so much that around 3 billion people play them worldwide[1]. But what if your gaming skills could help scientists solve real-world problems? By integrating a scientific task into Borderlands 3, gamers are enjoying their favourite hobby and contributing to important scientific advancements.

The gut microbiome is typically associated with bacteria, but did you know it also contains a wide variety of viruses? These viruses play crucial roles in the digestive system microbiome and are significant in both health and disease.

Recently, scientists discovered a group of gut bacteria enzymes with the potential to transform all blood types into universal blood type O. This breakthrough could facilitate blood transfusions in healthcare and save lives.

Meet Clostridium botulinum, a microbe with both impressive capabilities and serious risks. This bacterium causes botulism - a rare but severe condition that can lead to flaccid muscle paralysis and respiratory failure. However, the same characteristics that make C. botulinum lethal also can make it beneficial.