New technology illustrates bacterial 'hibernation states'

Like hibernating bears, certain bacterial cells have the ability to shift into a "low-power" metabolic state in which they can stably survive without growing. This state is often seen in the context of antibiotic-resistant infections as bacteria form a sticky mass called a biofilm; this low-power state enables bacteria in biofilm cores to resist commonly used antibiotics. Studying bacteria in this context has historically posed technical challenges for researchers.