Original title: Bacterial diffusion in disordered media, by forgetting the media
Authors: Henry H. Mattingly
The study explores how bacteria move through chaotic, obstacle-filled spaces, a tricky puzzle due to the unpredictable barrier locations. To tackle this, they simplify the problem by envisioning cell behaviors without memory, enabling the calculation of an effective diffusion rate. This rate matches computer simulations in detailed layouts, showcasing a non-uniform speed of movement. They also uncover the best distance bacteria travel before changing direction. By identifying a scaling technique, the study reveals a unifying pattern, making both theoretical predictions and simulations align. Ultimately, their findings suggest that only a few microscopic aspects are needed to understand how bacteria navigate through disorderly environments.
Original article: https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.10612