Microcensus in Bacteria (IMAGE) Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Caption Bacteria can determine the total number of a population, an ability also known as quorum sensing (left). A "pump probe system" enables Bacillus subtilis to determine the quantitative proportions of different groups (right). These systems are widely distributed in Gram-positive bacteria, but also occur in viruses and mobile genetic elements. Credit MPI f. Terrestrial Microbiology/ Bischofs Usage Restrictions Use of images is limited to editorial coverage of scientific topics relating to the activities of the Max Planck Society. Any kind of commercial use (including, in particular, the exploitation of images by means of sale or incorporation in image databases or image catalogues) as well as any promotional use/use for merchandise purposes, disclosure to third parties or granting of related rights to third parties is expressly not permitted. 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.