Bacteria Wars: Kinship in the Swarm | The Scientist Digest

A colony of Bacillus subtilis. Credit Scott Chimileski

A single, microscopic bacterium divides and expands into a visible colony that can further organize into dynamic structures, from swarming patterns to . Microbiologist Scott Chimileski at the Marine Biological Laboratory combines microscopy and time-lapse photography to capture the visual beauty of these intricate features.

Chimileski’s interest in imaging began during graduate school and deepened while working as an imaging specialist during his postdoctoral work in ’s lab at Harvard Medical School. “Roberto had over 7,000 strains in his freezer. He had a very eclectic lab and promoted people bringing in all sorts of different projects.” 

Source: Bacteria Wars: Kinship in the Swarm | The Scientist Digest