When physics unveils the secrets of bacteria

© Script: Valérie Zeitoun and Sacha Tembe - Filmmaking: Jeanne Fenouil (video in english)

Diving into the invisible: when physics reveals the secrets of life
 
These hypnotic images of dividing bacteria are more than just aesthetic: they are at the heart of research carried out by Gautham Sankara Narayana, a biophysics researcher in the Duménil laboratory at the Institut Pasteur, as part of the Bonazzi team.
 
Using confocal microscopy and computational analysis tools, he is tracking the multiplication of non-pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli in real time. 
 
The aim is to gather precise biophysical data, such as the rate of division, growth and movement of these bacteria, to better understand their dynamics.
 
An impressive detail: this 10-second sequence actually represents 3 hours of video capture, analyzed in a matter of moments using software capable of detecting and tracking each bacterium frame by frame.
 
Beyond the technical prowess, this data is precious. They help to shed light on certain fundamental mechanisms of E. coli, certain strains of which can be responsible for serious infections. 
 
Ultimately, this knowledge could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies.
 
That's what research is all about: exploring the infinitely small to better anticipate and act on a large scale.