Scientists have been watching bacteria "talk" and are even starting to translate their language.

Researchers in the US used an advanced imaging technique to observe signalling molecules being exchanged between bugs.

Next they plan to develop a "bacterial dictionary" that will reveal exactly what the microbes are saying.

Study leader Dr Pieter Dorrestein, from the University of California at San Diego, said: "Scientists tend to study the metabolic exchange of bacteria... one molecule at a time. Actually, such exchanges by microbes are much more complex, involving 10, 20 or even 50 molecules at one time. Now scientists can capture that complexity.

"Our ability to translate the metabolic output of microbes is becoming more important, as they outnumber other cells in our body by a 10 to one margin. We want to begin to understand how those bacteria interact with our cells. This is a powerful tool that may ultimately aid in understanding these interactions."

Bacteria communicate by secreting molecules that give other bugs messages such as "stop growing", "I need more nutrients" or "come closer, I can supply you with nutrients".

Other signalling molecules may have the effect of turning off the body's defences.

The researchers are using a technique called imaging mass spectrometry to map hundreds of bacterial interactions.

They hope the work, reported in the journal Nature Chemical Biology, will aid drug discovery.

Milarepa wrote:How come Reiki can be a catalyst for the death of communicating life-forms.

Milarepa wrote:How come Reiki can be a catalyst for the death of communicating life-forms.

Scientists have been watching bacteria "talk" and are even starting to translate their language.

Researchers in the US used an advanced imaging technique to observe signalling molecules being exchanged between bugs.

Next they plan to develop a "bacterial dictionary" that will reveal exactly what the microbes are saying.

Study leader Dr Pieter Dorrestein, from the University of California at San Diego, said: "Scientists tend to study the metabolic exchange of bacteria... one molecule at a time. Actually, such exchanges by microbes are much more complex, involving 10, 20 or even 50 molecules at one time. Now scientists can capture that complexity.

"Our ability to translate the metabolic output of microbes is becoming more important, as they outnumber other cells in our body by a 10 to one margin. We want to begin to understand how those bacteria interact with our cells. This is a powerful tool that may ultimately aid in understanding these interactions."

Bacteria communicate by secreting molecules that give other bugs messages such as "stop growing", "I need more nutrients" or "come closer, I can supply you with nutrients".

Other signalling molecules may have the effect of turning off the body's defences.

The researchers are using a technique called imaging mass spectrometry to map hundreds of bacterial interactions.

They hope the work, reported in the journal Nature Chemical Biology, will aid drug discovery.

Source: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20091108/tsc-experts-translate-germs-talking-4b158bc.html

Thaak wrote:...The reason bacteria can live in a human body, is because the body becomes out of balance to become a life-supporting arena and breeding ground for the bacteria.

Scientists have been watching bacteria "talk" and are even starting to translate their language.

Qui-Gon Jinn wrote:"Without the midi-chlorians, life could not exist, and we would have no knowledge of the Force. They continually speak to us, telling us the will of the Force. When you learn to quiet your mind, you'll hear them speaking to you."