To test this idea, the researchers exposed a population of E. coli to different temperatures and oxygen changes, and measured the gene responses in each case. The results were striking: An increase in temperature had nearly the same effect on the bacterium's genes as a decrease in oxygen level. Indeed, upon transition to a higher temperature, many of the genes essential for aerobic respiration were practically turned off.

To prove that this is not just genetic coincidence, the researchers then grew the bacteria in a biologically flipped environment where oxygen levels rose following an increase in temperature. Remarkably, within a few hundred generations the bugs partially adapted to this new regime, and no longer turned off the genes for aerobic respiration when the temperature rose.

Very interesting read. It is part of the mounting evidence that unicellular lifeforms may to some extent be intelligent, which reflects both on the nature of life, and the nature of intelligence, and how they are both connected.

"What is intelligence but high-definition regurgitation?"
Maxwell Smart, Michael Scott, Steve Carrell. It was difficult to tell from reading the interview.

It is too bad we humans have such difficulty demonstrating a similar capability as the world around us obviously changes. Given the rain around here of late, I wouldn't be surprised to see babies with gills soon if we did.

Very interesting. It seems that in some aspects life can be viewed as a computation.... working relentlessly to solve the problem of survival

Microbes rule - without greed. Enjoyable clip. Thanks.

Great clip.