Normally, most object encounter friction to some degree as they move around the universe, causing them to expend energy to overcome the resistance. However, researchers in a particular study discover some interesting facts about specific bacteria. Strains of E. Coli were placed in high concentration, and the motion of the bacterium produced interesting results. There appeared to be a negative friction created. With the possibility of a self-propelling organism, the bacteria needs to be further studied to utilize this effect.
Key Takeaways:
- Certain bacteria types could have some interesting and useful scientific applications. These odd effects occur when higher concentrations of the bacteria are suspended in a liquid.
- The ripple effect of the bacteria’s movement has a highly unusual by product of reducing viscosity to negative numbers.
- E.Coli Bacteria with negative viscosity are a nearly self-propelling swarm, and could move forward, with no propulsion.
“that resistance (or viscosity, as it’s properly known) can even go negative, creating a self-propelling liquid that might, say, turn a motor in a way that seems to defy the laws of thermodynamics.”
Read more: https://www.quantamagazine.org/swarming-bacteria-create-an-impossible-superfluid-20180726/
