Bose Institute researchers discovered how archaea, ancient microorganisms, utilize toxin-antitoxin systems for survival in extreme heat. Their study, published in *mBio*, focused on *Sulfolobus acidocaldarius*, revealing how the VapBC4 system halts protein production under heat stress, forming persister cells for survival until conditions improve. This process involves a yet-unidentified stress-activated protease breaking down the VapB4 protein, releasing the VapC4 toxin.
