ScienceAugust 17, 2026
magnetotactic
mag-nee-tuh-TAK-tik
Definition
Describing microorganisms that naturally orient or move themselves along the lines of a magnetic field.
Etymology
The word combines the Greek 'magnes' (magnet) and the Greek 'taktikos' (arranging or ordering), specifically relating to 'taxis,' the biological term for an organism's movement in response to an external stimulus.
In the news
The article describes Magnetospirillum magneticum as a magnetotactic bacterium, meaning it uses internal chains of nanoparticles to navigate magnetic fields for precise control and retrieval.
Czech Scientists Create Living Microrobot Swarms That Trap Microplastics
Read the full article ↗Intelligent Living