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Toxin-gobbling bacteria may live on poison dart frog skin

Toxic alkaloids are often antimicrobial, but some bacteria seem to be using them as food

poison dart frog

Alkaloid chemicals bathe the skins of poison dart frogs (such as the diablito (Oophaga sylvatica) of Ecuador, shown). Some microbes seem to thrive in — and even feed off — the powerful toxins.

Stephanie Caty

By Jake Buehler

Poison? What poison? Some bacteria may treat the powerful toxins bathing poison dart frog skin like a buffet.