Microbial Carpet (IMAGE) Stanford University Caption This depiction of a bacterial colony arranged in a branching pattern shows how the bacteria can create a swirling current that pulls in nutrients, shown here as colored dots. Credit Arnold Mathijssen Usage Restrictions Image may only be used with appropriate caption or credit. 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.