Biofilms: The Far-Reaching Effects of Microbial Communities

Most people think of bacteria as solitary cells swimming around in search of nutrients. Now scientists are realizing that this viewpoint misses the true nature of these microorganisms. The vast majority actually live in highly organized communities called biofilms, which can contain many different species. These groups of bacteria can have far-reaching consequences, from slowing down ships to aiding water purification. Scientists are now taking advantage of new technologies to understand the behavior of these bacterial societies, and to attempt to control them… Continue reading Biofilms: The Far-Reaching Effects of Microbial Communities