Gut & MicrobiomeGut Viruses Called Phages May Be the Key to Beating Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is projected to kill 10 million people annually if left unchecked. This ZOE episode explores bacteriophages — naturally occurring viruses in the gut — as a powerful alternative treatment. Professor Martha Clokie, a leading phage researcher, explains how these viruses have coexisted with bacteria for billions of years, quietly regulating our gut microbiome. Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, phages target specific harmful bacteria while leaving beneficial microbes intact. The episode covers phage therapy's fascinating history, its abandonment after antibiotics were discovered, and its current revival as antibiotic resistance grows more urgent. Early research also hints at phages' potential to deliver targeted cancer treatment. Everyday dietary choices — particularly plant diversity — may help support a healthier gut virome, making this both scientifically compelling and personally actionable.
