Bacteria Find a New Way to Move: Swashing Without Flagella
Scientists have just uncovered a surprising new way bacteria can travel across surfaces. Instead of relying on their usual whip-like flagella, bacteria can now use metabolism-powered “swashing” to move around. This sugar-driven movement lets them migrate efficiently, even when they lack the typical tools for mobility. It’s like watching someone moonwalk across the kitchen tiles, but with a lot more science involved!
Swashing and Gliding: Two Paths to Colonization
This new discovery redefines how we think about microbial movement and colonization. Bacteria can either “swash” using metabolism-driven energy from sugars or “glide” using gear-like cellular structures. This means microbes have a versatile toolkit for spreading across surfaces, making them even more formidable when it comes to causing infections. Looks like bacteria have been holding out on us—just when we thought we’d seen it all, they invent a new dance move!
This insight could help researchers develop better strategies to prevent bacterial infections or control harmful colonies. Who knew bacteria were such innovative travelers?
