Science: Bacteria Use Limbs to Slingshot Themselves Across a Surface

Bacteria are known for sprouting spindly limbs and pulling themselves along surfaces like miniature octopi. But a new study shows that by tacking down one limb, pulling it till it's taut, and then letting go, bacteria can also use the limbs to slingshot themselves around.

For more, see Bacteria Use Limbs to Slingshot Themselves Across a Surface by Veronique Greenwood, July 19, 2011 at 80beats.