Pseudoalteromonas bacteria are expert chemists that often live symbiotically with corals, sponges, and other ocean inhabitants. They will pump out dozens bioactive molecules to protect themselves and their hosts in exchange for shelter from the harsh conditions of the open ocean. We are studying Pseudoalteromonas to discover new antibiotics and other medicinal natural products. Here we see Pseudoalteromonas piscicida growing on cotton balls in a liquid medium. Much like coral, the balls allow the bacteria to attach to a solid surface and stimulate the production of very interesting natural products, such as the vibrant orange pigment seen in this photo.