Density-Dependent Diffusion in Expanding Phage Populations

Explore a 37-minute lecture on the emergence of density-dependent diffusion in expanding bacteriophage populations. Delve into the research presented by Diana Fusco from the University of Cambridge at the Institut Henri Poincaré. Examine the novel experimental measurements using bacteriophage T7 and E. coli that demonstrate how phage diffusion is affected by steric interactions with host bacteria cells. Investigate the coupling between host density, phage dispersal, and cell lysis, resulting in an effective density-dependent diffusion rate. Learn about the transition from pulled to pushed expansion in reaction-diffusion waves and the spontaneous emergence of a second density-dependent effect on phage dispersal due to viral incubation periods. Gain insights into the potential implications for genetic diversity and adaptability of expanding viral populations, and understand how bacteriophage can serve as a controllable laboratory model for studying the impact of density-dependent dispersal on evolution.