Skip to main content

Serratia marcescens: A Tale of Bleeding Statues, Cursed Polenta, Insect Liquefaction, and Contact Lens Cases

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American



On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


The many colors of Serratia marcescens. Image courtesy Dr. Robert Shanks, the University of Pittsburgh.

Over on the news side today is an article I put together for Scientific American Online on some mysterious, ubiquitous, and sometimes-deadly red bacteria that are probably at this moment living in your shower grout and contact lens case. Plus, when slime molds eat them, their plasmodia turn red like flamingoes eating shrimp turn pink. How cool is that! Check it out!