Building a better virus trap

The concept of ecological ‘traps’ is based in theory from ecology and conservation biology that has now found application to infectious diseases with a study from Paul Turnerʹs group. This study is important because it offers a mathematical model of ecological traps, applies this model to viruses, and tests the model in a bacteria–phage system. Although there will be technical hurdles to overcome, this concept might lead to benefits for both health and industry.