Sir

A number of researchers have already investigated, and demonstrated in detail, some of the propositions put forward in Slava Epstein's Essay 'Microbial awakenings' (Nature 457, 1083; 2009).

For instance, Epstein says “researchers could attempt to identify signalling compounds used by scouts, if they exist, and use these molecules to induce growth of dormant kin”. This has been investigated by G. V. Mukamolova and colleagues (Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 95, 8916–8921; 1998).

The proposition that “single cells could be cultivated, allowing them enough time for scout production unimpeded by faster growing species” has also been demonstrated (A. S. Kaprelyants et al. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 115, 347–352; 1994). The phenomena of transient dormancy and culturability — which Epstein says “contrasts with scientific expectations” — have been studied and reviewed extensively (see, for example, G. V. Mukamolova et al. Adv. Microb. Physiol. 47, 65–129; 2003).

Evidently ideas, as well as microbes, may remain dormant for some time.

See also: Dormant microbes: scouting ahead or plodding along?