Bacteria Sense Salt Stress

Salt-sensor proteins in bacteria operate like molecular springs. Under low salt conditions in the environment, the proteins oscillate between ‘stretched’ and ‘compressed’ forms. Salts in the environment dampen these spring-like movements and favour the ‘compressed’ form. This change in springiness is used by the bacteria to detect salts in their environments
                                    
10.1038/emboj.2012.99
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120706105424.htm