All microorganisms are exposed to periodic stresses that prevent them from growing. A recent study revealed that bacteria such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus survive extreme environments by establishing a dormant, non-replicating state known as quiescence or dormancy.

This piece serves as a visual metaphor for the study. It is intended to attract the interest of the educated lay public to read about the research article. This cover depicts a dormant bacterium inside a snowglobe where it is protected from the cold temperature outside.