Hebrew University in Jerusalem researchers have found a method to awaken bacteria that are in a dormant state that could improve the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Most antibiotics kill only microbes that are growing and multiplying, leaving dormant bacteria untouched.

The researchers gave fresh nutrients to a set of stationary (low or no growth) bacteria cultured in the lab. They started growing and dividing again, although some only for a short time, and were susceptible to antibiotics. This suggests that a way to kill persistent bacteria while administering an antibiotic is to give them the nutrients that are limiting their growth.

The strategy might provide a more effective way to treat persistent diseases such as tuberculosis and urinary-tract infections.