Bacterial Culture (IMAGE) Technical University of Munich (TUM) Caption Bacteria do not simply perish in hunger phases fortuitously; rather, the surrounding cells have a say as well. A research team from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has now discovered factors that decide over life and death. The picture shows one of the bacterial cultures. Credit Andreas Heddergott / TUM Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.