Science

Scientists finally discover how a common gut bacterium can trigger colon cancer

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have uncovered a crucial missing link between a common gut bacterium and colorectal cancer, solving a mystery that has puzzled researchers for nearly two decades.

✦ Extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting•From 1 source•1 min read•Updated October 31, 2026, 1:49 PM UTC

The bacterium, Bacteroides fragilis, produces a toxin that damages the colon’s protective lining, triggers chronic inflammation, and promotes tumor formation.

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