Bacteria "usually don't lie" about their own plans, Prof. Ben Jacob says, but the minority that do have a chance of surviving won't cheat to postpone the decision of others. The scientists' new article presents a model that decodes how bacteria use the gene-and-protein networks to calculate risks and the game theory principles they employ.

Maintaining a delicate balance

Americans uncertain about getting the H1N1 flu shot because they've heard about potentially dangerous side effects also face the prisoner's dilemma. Perhaps it's better not to get the shot, one may think, because if everybody else is vaccinated, the virus will be wiped out before it reaches me.

"The simple rule we learned from bacteria is that anybody who has to make an important decision - especially one of life and death at times of stress - should wait to see the trend of changes, process the risks and odds in depth, and only then decide," says Prof. Ben-Jacob.

Based on what he and his colleagues learned about bacteria, he imagines that bacteria might offer this counsel regarding the flu shot: "They might suggest that only people who have widespread and intense contact with many others, such as business travellers and teachers, should get the shot. Those who are most likely to spread the virus should be vaccinated.

"Bacteria don't take risks like we do and the results have paid off. They are super-successful, more than any creature on earth. They wouldn't abuse the stock market, and would never invest beyond their means. I am also pretty sure most would not rush to get the flu shot, if given the choice," he concludes. "They know how to keep a delicate balance."

Source: American Friends of Tel Aviv University