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GMU:Synthetic Biology/Bacteria Game (view source)
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[[Image:Bacteriagame-arctic-race.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Artic race game scenario]] | [[Image:Bacteriagame-arctic-race.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Artic race game scenario]] | ||
The concept of the game is based on the ability of some harmless wild-type bacteria to swim in soft media. Swimming enables the microbes to consume further nutrients if those in their vicinity are already consumed. All bacteria try to get away from the starting point as fast as possible to access fresh media. This mechanism can be employed for a game set-up. Selection and culturing of best swimmers leads to propagation of ideal swimming characteristics, which is why training may help gain a competitive edge. These bacteria can easily be stored in the fridge along with the supplied materials without any risk. The showdown competition is run by synthetic bacteria. Predators and prey communicate and regulate each other's density. Via molecular signals, the predator cells kill the prey while living prey rescues predators. The diverse and colorful crowd surrounding the spectacle was genetically engineered to carry different pigments, which was appreciated at the iGEM competition in 2009. | The concept of the game is based on the ability of some harmless wild-type bacteria to swim in soft media. Swimming enables the microbes to consume further nutrients if those in their vicinity are already consumed. All bacteria try to get away from the starting point as fast as possible to access fresh media. This mechanism can be employed for a game set-up. Selection and culturing of best swimmers leads to propagation of ideal swimming characteristics, which is why training may help gain a competitive edge. These bacteria can easily be stored in the fridge along with the supplied materials without any risk. The showdown competition is run by synthetic bacteria. Predators and prey communicate and regulate each other's density. Via molecular signals, the predator cells kill the prey while living prey rescues predators. The diverse and colorful crowd surrounding the spectacle was genetically engineered to carry different pigments, which was appreciated at the iGEM competition in 2009. | ||
====Our bacteria in motion==== | |||
While developing the game we also experimented with a synthetic predator-prey system and other types of bacteria which we recorded. | |||
<videoflash type=vimeo>16245346|320|240</videoflash> | |||
<videoflash type=vimeo>16248328|320|240</videoflash> | |||
<videoflash type=vimeo>16245555|320|240</videoflash> | |||
Even more videos can be found on [http://vimeo.com/user4731954/videos Vimeo]. | |||
===Links=== | ===Links=== | ||
* [http://super-cell.org/shopping/product-21/ SuperCell] online store | * [http://super-cell.org/shopping/product-21/ SuperCell] online store | ||
* [http://2010.igem.org/Team:Weimar-Heidelberg_Arts/Project/Bacteria_Game iGem 2010 competition entry] | * [http://2010.igem.org/Team:Weimar-Heidelberg_Arts/Project/Bacteria_Game iGem 2010 competition entry] | ||
* [http://vimeo.com/user4731954/videos Our Bacteria Videos] on Vimeo | |||