Close X
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
ADVT 
Tech

Bacteria use their entire body to swim

Darpan News Desk IANS, 22 Jul, 2014 08:11 AM
    Bacteria just do not swim with propellers but use the entire body, a new study shows.
     
    It has long been assumed that flagella - corkscrew-like appendages - push or pull bacterial cells like tiny propellers.
     
    A new research shows that in at least one species, the cell body is actively carving out a helical trajectory through the water that produces thrust and contributes to the organism's ability to swim.
     
    "This is the first time that it has been shown quantitatively how the cell body is involved in the swimming motion," said Kenny Breuer, a professor at Brown University's school of engineering.
     
    The finding could shed new light on the evolution of cell body shape.
     
    For this study, researchers used a method that enabled them to closely follow bacterial cells as they swim in real time.
     
    The microscope was equipped with a mobile stage on which swimming bacteria were viewed.
     
    Once the microscope locked on to a bacteriam called caulobacter crescentus, the stage moved according to the bacterium's movement.
     
    A closer look revealed that the cell body traces a wobbly, helical trajectory as it moves - a trajectory that looks a bit like the body is traveling though an invisible spiral tube.
     
    The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

    MORE Tech ARTICLES

    Now inbuilt anti-glare screen for smartphones, tablets

    Now inbuilt anti-glare screen for smartphones, tablets
    Soon, you will not have to tilt your smartphone or tablet to avoid glare while watching your favourite movie or video. Scientists has developed a novel...

    Now inbuilt anti-glare screen for smartphones, tablets

    'Bots' writing Wikipedia pages for you

    'Bots' writing Wikipedia pages for you
    If you find some writings on Wikipedia a bit pompous or awkward because they read too formal, do not blame humans. For an increasing number of entries on Wikipedia are being written by automated software or 'bots'.

    'Bots' writing Wikipedia pages for you

    NASA sends odour-resistant dress for astronauts

    NASA sends odour-resistant dress for astronauts
    NASA has sent an Antares rocket to the International Space Station (ISS) carrying a Cygnus spacecraft stuffed with supplies for astronauts, including odour-resistant exercise clothing.

    NASA sends odour-resistant dress for astronauts

    Now, santoor sounds through mobile app

    Now, santoor sounds through mobile app
    Soothing santoor tones, serene Om chants for meditation -- all these and more will now be available on your smartphones, courtesy a new mobile app targeted at popularising Indian classical music among youngsters.

    Now, santoor sounds through mobile app

    NASA closer to finding life beyond earth

    NASA closer to finding life beyond earth
    Do you often dream about extraterrestrial life beyond earth? NASA scientists are engaged in proving your dreams to be true.

    NASA closer to finding life beyond earth

    Posting sexy images on Facebook may backfire

    Posting sexy images on Facebook may backfire
    For young women, sharing sexy or revealing photos on social media may backfire as female friends may view them as physically and socially less attractive and less competent to perform tasks.

    Posting sexy images on Facebook may backfire