In this fascinating episode, we're joined by Dr. Mizuno, an expert in microbiology and biodiversity, who shares his recent discovery of a unique multicellular bacterium.

Dr. Mizuno and his team identified a bacterium, HS-3, from an underground stream, demonstrating an entirely new type of prokaryotic multicellularity. The bacterium self-organizes its filamentous cells into layer-structured colonies, exhibiting properties similar to a nematic liquid crystal.

The research team observed that these colonies mature into a semi-closed sphere containing clusters of coccobacillus daughter cells. Interestingly, the release of these cells is selective and happens upon contact with water.

This groundbreaking discovery challenges our understanding of bacterial multicellularity and indicates that a liquid-crystal status can support prokaryot ...