Iron is an essential trace element for most organisms. A common way for bacteria to acquire
this nutrient is through the secretion of siderophores, which are secondary metabolites that …

Bacteria often live within matrix-embedded communities, termed biofilms, which are now
understood to be a major mode of microbial life. The study of biofilms has revealed their vast …

Neoplasms change over time through a process of cell-level evolution, driven by genetic
and epigenetic alterations. However, the ecology of the microenvironment of a neoplastic …

In the wild, bacteria are predominantly associated with surfaces as opposed to existing as
free-swimming, isolated organisms. They are thus subject to surface-specific mechanics …

Bacteria frequently live in densely populated surface-bound communities, termed biofilms [1–
4]. Biofilm-dwelling cells rely on secretion of extracellular substances to construct their …

By nature of their small size, dense growth and frequent need for extracellular metabolism,
microbes face persistent public goods dilemmas. Genetic assortment is the only general …

Iron is important for bacterial growth and survival, as it is a common co-factor in essential
enzymes. Although iron is very abundant in the earth crust, its bioavailability is low in most …

The spatial organization of microbial communities arises from a complex interplay of biotic
and abiotic interactions, and is a major determinant of ecosystem functions. Here we design …

By consuming and producing environmental resources, organisms inevitably change their
habitats. The consequences of such environmental modifications can be detrimental or …

The emergence of cooperation is a central question in evolutionary biology. Microorganisms
often cooperate by producing a chemical resource (a public good) that benefits other cells …