Researchers in the field of complex systems are often concerned with the study of collections of motile elements, such as fish, birds, insects and cells [15]. These organisms may exhibit characteristic patterns of self-organized collective behaviour such as shoaling [38], flocking [39], swarming

, despite numerous examples of multicellular behaviours of bacteria, the principle of stigmergy has yet to become an accepted theoretical framework that describes how bacterial collectives self-organise. Here we review some examples of multicellular bacterial behaviours in the context of stigmergy

, the principle of stigmergy has yet to become an accepted theoretical framework that describes howbacterial collectives self-organise. Here we review some examples of multicellular bacterial behaviours in the context of stigmergy with the aim of bringing this powerful and elegant self-organisation principle

the system we were able to demonstrate its feasibility. Aims Our aim was to induce self-organised pattern formation in free swimming bacteria with techniques of genetic engineering. This was to be done by artificially introducing a system for bi-directional communication between two bacterial populations

domainspecific constraints and tradeoffs imposed by the environment are important factors in shaping stoichiometry. Importantly, the consequence of these highly organised tradeoffs and tolerances is an architecture that has a highly structured modularity that is self-dissimilar and scale-rich. Introduction

Bacteria exist, in most environments, as complex, organised communities of sessile cells embedded within a matrix of self-produced, hydrated extracellular polymeric substances known as biofilms. Bacterial biofilms represent a ubiquitous and predominant cause of both chronic infections

that is distinct from the metal-ion dependent catalytic cupins. Thin-section transmission electron microscopy of Escherichia coli over-expressing eut proteins indicates that CD1918 is capable of self-association into arrays, suggesting an organisational role for CD1918 in the formation of this microcompartment

Abstract. We review theoretical models of individual motility as well as collective dynamics and pattern formation of active particles. We focus on simple models of active dynamics with a particular emphasis on nonlinear and stochastic dynamics of such self-propelled entities in the framework

development and its progression, it should move away from the 'surgical' care approach and fully embrace the MID approach. The chance for MID to be successful is thought to be increased tremendously if dental caries is not considered an infectious but instead a behavioural disease with a bacterial