Researchers discovered that exposing bacteria that produce epsilon-poly-l-lysine (a natural antimicrobial compound) to extracts from another closely related bacterium dramatically increases production by 2.6-fold. Using advanced analysis techniques, they found that this boost occurs because the extract triggers the bacteria to activate defense mechanisms, rerouting its metabolism to produce more of this antimicrobial compound. This finding could significantly reduce the cost of producing this useful natural preservative for foods and medicines, making it more commercially viable.