zinc can modulate the virulence of Escherichia coli bacteria, a pathogen that causes urinary infections in humans, according to a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports by biologist Carlos Balsalobre, from the University of Barcelona (UB). The new study reveals for the first time that zinc can regulate the expression of bacterial virulence factors, in particular, alfa-hemolysin, an exotoxin produced by some Escherichia coli pathogenic strains.