Co-culture (IMAGE) Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology Caption This is an electron micrograph of genetically modified Acinetobacter baylyi and Escherichia coli strains. The bacteria exchange amino acids via nanotubes (i.e. tube-like connections between cells). Credit Martin Westermann, Electron Microscopy Center, University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany Usage Restrictions None License Licensed 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.