Functional expansion microscopy (IMAGE) Forsyth Institute Caption Schematic illustration showing the 'tug-of-war' competition between expansion force and microbial adhesive force. The separation of individual bacterial cells from each other reflects the competition between the expansion force pulling them apart and the adhesion force holding them together. Credit Courtesy of Pu-Ting Dong, ADA Forsyth Institute. Usage Restrictions N/A License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.