Can microorganisms be modified to monitor the environment or be used for other purposes? A team of researchers recently discussed how a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and engineered bacteria can be used to monitor the environment, specifically with regard to pollution levels and the creation of living materials. Their study, which was published in Nature Chemical Biology, aims to provide answers to these questions. Through this research, it may be possible to develop synthetic bacteria that will benefit the environment by mimicking the behavior of living bacteria.Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) is one such bacterial species that is widely found in water, soil, and even the human gut. It is capable of self-organizing into bullseye-like patterns on solid surfaces that are obvious to the unaided eye, making them simple to detect.