Collaring Cholera

Biofilms are slimy mixtures of fast-growing bacteria, where each microbe clings stubbornly to its neighbours and its surroundings. When harmful bacteria are involved, perhaps in hospitals, a biofilm may be a troubling source of disease. Here researchers use advanced microscopes to understand how biofilms grow. A biofilm pictured from above (top left) is first digitally cleaned (top right). Next, red lines single out over 7,000 individual V. cholerae bacteria, which can cause cholera (bottom left). Finally, computer analysis produces a model (bottom right), colouring each bacterium by its height in the growing biofilm (with dark blue at the base and pink at the top). Researchers believe bacteria pile up in mounds like this due to the pressures of reproducing in close proximity while gripping a nearby surface. The technology can now be used to assess the effects of drugs on bacteria, and battle disease-causing biofilms.

Written by John Ankers

John Ankers

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A former researcher in systems biology, John is now an online biology tutor and professional coach supporting the wellbeing of scientists and NHS professionals. He's writing, too, of course.

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• Image from work by Jing Yan and colleagues
• Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
• Image copyright held by original authors; image reproduction permitted by PNAS
• Published in PNAS, September 2016