Story perspectives

Bonnie Bassler Unveils 'Magical Microbes' on Science Day

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

On February 11, 2026, Bonnie Bassler of Princeton University described bacteria as "magical microbes" that communicate via quorum sensing.
This communication could yield therapies against harmful bacteria such as Vibrio cholerae.
Bassler emphasized the importance of understanding bacterial mechanisms to advance scientific discoveries.
She spoke on the International Day for Women and Girls in Science and cited the 2022 Wolf Prize in Chemistry and the 2023 Canada Gairdner Award.

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Story summary

On February 11, 2026, Bonnie Bassler of Princeton University described bacteria as "magical microbes" that communicate via quorum sensing.
This communication could yield therapies against harmful bacteria such as Vibrio cholerae.
Bassler emphasized the importance of understanding bacterial mechanisms to advance scientific discoveries.
She spoke on the International Day for Women and Girls in Science and cited the 2022 Wolf Prize in Chemistry and the 2023 Canada Gairdner Award.