Feature Evolving E. coli 25-year experiment sees real-time natural selection By Tina Hesman Saey December 13, 2012 at 9:54 pm - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to print (Opens in new window) Print 2012 SCIENCE NEWS TOP 25: 23 A simple flask of bacteria has given scientists a glimpse of evolution in action. Brian Baer and Neerja Hajela Escherichia coli bacteria that were part of a 25-year evolution experiment acquired a new ability at some point during the study.