Who Shall Inherit the Earth?
Years ago, we used to predict that if a disaster wiped out humans and lots of other animals, rats and cockroaches would survive. Supposedly, those two types were indestructible.
I think we were mistaken. I think we were wrong. I think bacteria not only will inherit the earth, they already have. It is an illusion that we are the masters of this planet.
We are in the process of "discovering" that we cannot live without the many species of bacteria that inhabit our bodies. This burgeoning discovery is on a par with the discovery of DNA. The sub-discoveries promise to be in the bazillions. Even The New Yorker (Oct. 22) is interested, with an article called "Germs Are Us."
Now NewScientist has an article, "Electrical Bacteria," about bacteria that transfer electrons from one individual to another. That is, they establish electrical currents. These bacteria line up to form a continuous filament, and pass electrons over distances that are enormous relative to the size of the actual individual cells. This may be a method of communication, much like the purposes of neurons in animals.
This is just one more wonder to stack up with all the other wonders. More on this later; please stay tuned!