Johan H. J. Leveau

Ferdi L. Hellweger

Jan-Ulrich Kreft

Clara Prats

Weiwen Zhang

Recent technological advances in single-cell microbiology, using flow cytometry, microfluidics, x-ray fluorescence microprobes, and single-cell -omics, allow for the observation of individuals within populations. Simultaneously, individual-based models (or more generally agent-based models) allow for individual microbes to be simulated. Bridging these techniques forms the foundation of individual-based ecology of microbes (µIBE). µIBE has elucidated genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity that has important consequences for a number of human interests, including antibiotic or biocide resistance, the productivity and stability of industrial fermentations, the efficacy of food preservatives, and the potential of pathogens to cause disease. Individual-based models can help us to understand how these sets of traits of individual microbes influence the above. This eBook compiles all publications from a recent Research Topic in Frontiers in Microbiology. It features recent research where individual observational and/or modelling techniques are applied to gain unique insights into the ecology of microorganisms. The Research Topic “The Individual Microbe: Single-Cell Analysis and Agent-Based Modelling” arose from the 2016 @ASM conference of the same name hosted by the American Society for Microbiology at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. We are grateful to ASM for funding and hosting this conference.

Johan H. J. Leveau

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