New images reveal details of two bacteria’s molecular syringes

It’s unclear exactly how these species use their tiny injectors, but learning how they work could lead to nanodevices that target specific bacteria. Some bacteria carry tiny syringes filled with chemicals that may thin out competitors or incapacitate predators. Now, researchers have gotten up-close views of these syringes, technically known as contractile injection systems, from a type of cyanobacteria and a marine bacterium.