Sticky Situations.(how bacteria colonize and adhere to surfaces) From: Science News | Date: July 14, 2001| Author: NETTING, JESSA | COPYRIGHT 2001 Science Service, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Scientists are beginning to understand how bacteria find strength in numbers

Every night, a social transformation takes place right under your nose. As you sleep, millions of bacteria in your mouth switch from being free-living drifters to established community members. Those bacteria, which escaped the evening assault of your toothbrush, become part of a sticky coating on your teeth.

What's simply annoying for you is a major change in lifestyle for these bac...