Kinetic Description of Social Dynamics: From Consensus to Flocking


Bacteria Collective Swarming and Navigation

Gil Ariel

Bar Ilan University
[SLIDES]

Abstract:  

Quantitative analysis of the dynamics of swarming bacteria called Paenibacillus vortex reveals new types of flow patterns in which cells self-organize into dense traffic lanes and form stable, highly ordered jets and streams. The dynamics inside a swarm is fundamentally different than the classical description of swarming as a mixing and turbulent-like dynamics. We present a new agent-based modeling approach that concentrated on the interaction between particles and a dynamic boundary that represents the edge of a self-generated lubrication layer. Simulations reveal a tight connection between the internal dynamics inside the swarm and the dynamics of the boundary as swarms cooperatively control their internal organization in a manner that depends on the environment. As a consequence, the orientation and speed of propagation of the entire swarm can be controlled, resulting in navigation capabilities – a process fundamentally different than a biased run and tumble as observed in the chemotaxis of individual swimming bacteria.

Joint work with Oren Kalisman, Adi Shklarsh, Colin Ingham and Eshel Ben-Jacob.