A photo from open sources
Biologists from the University of California, San Diego, made an amazing discovery. Experts have found that bacteria capable of forming something similar to the human brain, having a system of electrical signals – very similar to that which neurons use in the nervous system.
According to Gyrol Suel, one of the authors of the study, this discovery can turn our view of bacteria so about the work of the brain.
As you know, human intelligence and emotions manifest thanks to brain cells that exchange via ion channels electrical signals. Researchers have proven that ordinary bacteria, being in an uncomfortable environment, are able to use similar signals to change or leave this environment. To such Americans came to the conclusion, trying to declassify the behavior of bacteria, colonies combining in the form of dense films, consisting of several hundred thousand microorganisms.
It turned out that bacteria on the surface having unlimited access to nutrients, periodically send food brothers inside the colony. The interaction is through no fully understood by scientists electrochemical communication. Researchers set up an experiment and realized that there were fluctuations in the colony membrane potential that correspond to growth fluctuations biological film. Membrane potential changes due to the release of potassium from ion cells through special ion channels. The electrical signals that appear in this way allow coordinate metabolic activity of external and internal parts of the colony. In addition, it turned out that purposeful removal of ion channels from the film disrupts colony growth – as a result non-viable accumulation of bacteria is formed, that is, in this case their collective brain is disturbed.
Scientists believe that such communication of microorganisms is similar to called pervasive cortical depression – a process in the human brain, which is thought to lead to epilepsy and migraine. This discovery will allow, on the one hand, successfully deal with certain diseases of the brain, and with the other is to more effectively resist viral diseases.
