'Survival gene' found that prevents growth of TB bacteria
Scientists have discovered a 'survival gene' that prevents strains of tuberculosis (TB) from mutating into drug-resistant 'superbugs'. They screened nearly every gene (11,000) in TB-causing mycobacteria for mutations on a specific antibiotic and found a DNA repair enzyme, produced by 'NucS' gene that prevents the mutations. Notably, 18 lakh people died from the airborne disease last year.