Biofilm Structure (IMAGE) Princeton University, Engineering School Caption Princeton researchers have examined how individual cells act collectively to form structures called biofilms that often play a critical role in disease and other processes. Shown above is a simulation of the bacteria Vibrio cholerae forming a biofilm, with each slightly curved, rod-shaped unit indicating individual bacteria. The architecture shows vertically oriented bacteria at the biofilm's center and horizontally oriented bacteria at the bottom, adhered to the surface upon which the mass is growing. Credit (Image courtesy of Bonnie Bassler, Howard Stone, Ned Wingreen and Jing Yan) Usage Restrictions non-commercial use 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.