The Ocean’s Hidden Internet: Bacteria Build Networks Too

What if bacteria communicate better than we do? The ocean teems with a microscopic web that might just put our internet to shame.

Prochlorococcus, the world’s most abundant photosynthetic bacteria, has been found to use nanotubes; tiny, membrane-like bridges—to connect with neighboring cells in the vast ocean. These bacterial networks transport nutrients and enzymes, challenging the notion of bacteria as solitary, single-celled organisms.

Recent discoveries reveal that these structures enable cooperation between different species, such as Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, making the ocean’s microbial world more interconnected than previously imagined.

These nanotube networks are crucial in sharing resources like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are vital for survival. This interconnectedness might influence global processes, from oxygen production to carbon sequestration. Researchers are now probing what triggers these networks and their larger implications for marine ecosystems.

These bacterial networks remind us that thriving ecosystems rely on cooperation and shared resources. How can we draw inspiration from nature to build more interconnected, sustainable systems in our own world? Let’s discuss your ideas in the comments.

Read the full article on Quanta Magazine.

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