The immortal flatworm

By studying an aquatic flatworm (planarian), well known for its extraordinary regenerative abilities, researchers in Marseille identified a gene capable of destroying tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Called Morn 2, this very active gene in the planarian is present in humans, but dormant. It could be pharmacologically stimulated to fight diseases that are resistant to antibiotics.

A film by Christophe Gombert, produced by CNRS Images (2015, 8 minutes)