What if the future of medicine lies not in stronger drugs, but in better communication? At the “Science in Three Minutes” short lecture competition, Estonian University of Life Sciences PhD candidate Deep Bhattacharya introduced a perspective on how the body communicates at the microscopic level and how this knowledge could transform the way we fight infections.
A hidden communication network
Inside the human body, a constant and complex dialogue is taking place. Cells, microbes, and nutrients exchange information that influences everything from digestion to immune responses. This communication happens through microscopic particles known as extracellular vesicles (EVs)—tiny bubbles released by cells that carry molecular signals between organisms.
The limits of antibiotics and new ways
While antibiotics have long been the primary tool for combating bacterial infections, they act broadly, destroying both harmful and beneficial bacteria. This widespread impact contributes to the growing global crisis of antibiotic resistance, which is projected to cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Instead of targeting bacteria with force, researchers explore whether EVs could be used to influence them through communication.
His research examines EVs from three different sources. Milk-derived EVs appear to support beneficial gut bacteria and promote the healing of intestinal cells. EVs derived from algae have shown the ability to disrupt harmful pathogens such as Listeria, not by killing them directly, but by interfering with their internal processes. Meanwhile, studies with EVs from gut-derived sources highlight the importance of balance—demonstrating that the effectiveness of these signals depends on precise dosing rather than quantity.
Towards more targeted treatment
These findings suggest that the body already possesses a sophisticated system for regulating health at the cellular level—one that scientists are only beginning to understand.
Looking ahead, Bhattacharya envisions a future where treatments are based not on eliminating microbes, but on guiding them. By learning to interpret and eventually design these biological signals, it may become possible to deliver highly targeted therapies that support the body’s natural systems without harmful side effects.
Watch the full talk here:
Deep Bhattacharya’s lecture earned second prize at the short lecture competition “Science in Three Minutes”. His PhD dissertation supervisors are seenior reaearch fellow in molecular physiology and medicine Suranga Pradeep Kodithuwakku and professor in comparative medicine Alireza Fazeli.
“Science in Three Minutes” is a short scientific presentation format aimed at explaining complex research topics in a simple and accessible way within a limited time. It is the Estonian version of the international competition “Three Minute Thesis (3MT)”.
Read more about the Estonian University of Life Sciences „Science in Three Minutes“ competition and watch the best presentations herelink opens in new page.
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