Abstract
We describe a new mechanism for Lévy walks, explaining the recently observed superdiffusion of swarming bacteria. The model hinges on several key physical properties of bacteria, such as an elongated cell shape, self-propulsion, and a collectively generated regular vortexlike flow. In particular, chaos and Lévy walking are a consequence of group dynamics. The model explains how cells can fine-tune the geometric properties of their trajectories. Experiments confirm the spectrum of these patterns in fluorescently labeled swarming Bacillus subtilis.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 228102 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 118 |
Issue number | 22 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2 Jun 2017 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Physics and Astronomy(all)