Bose Institute scientists studied archaea's toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems to understand survival in harsh environments. Focusing on *Sulfolobus acidocaldarius*, they found the VapBC4 TA system crucial for heat stress response. The VapC4 toxin halts protein production, promoting the formation of resilient "persister cells" during stress. This dormancy conserves energy, enabling survival until conditions improve.
