Researchers have identified specific human gut bacterial strains capable of accumulating perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as 'forever chemicals,' which are pervasive environmental toxins. These bacteria effectively bind significant proportions of PFAS in laboratory conditions within 24 hours, suggesting a potential natural detoxification pathway within the human microbiome. The study published in Nature Microbiology opens new possibilities for microbiome-based interventions to mitigate PFAS bioaccumulation and associated health risks.