Some bacteria form endospores on cell walls to protect their
DNA in case of nutrient deficiency. When an endospore meets a suitable environment
for survival, the cell can revert to the original state from which it can
reproduce.
The technique that can artificially control such phenomenon
was developed by an international team of researchers. At first, a cell is
wrapped and preserved like an egg. When the cell is needed, the technique
allows the endospore to decompose while it is alive. Future applications for
this technique include cell-based biosensor, cell therapy, and biocatalyst
processes.