Scientists observe bacteria tumble their way out of surface traps
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 - 10:20
in Astronomy & Space
While tracing the movement of Escherichia coli, a team of French researchers noticed that near solid surfaces, the bacteria run in circles. Loop after loop, the tracing almost looks like an Olympic figure skating rink before the Zamboni irons the sheet of ice smooth. Breaking down E. coli's routine step by step, the scientists identified a signature move—surface tumbling. The work appears May 5 in the Biophysical Journal.