Mean Lean Division Machines (IMAGE) Washington University in St. Louis Caption Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus bacteria dividing. Under nutrient-rich conditions bacteria go into hyper-drive, dividing as often as once every 20 minutes. The discovery of fail-safe points in their cell cycles may provide a way to shut down rampant proliferation. Credit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Usage Restrictions None 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.