 Vibrio vulnificus is an opportunistic bacteria that can cause serious illnesses when exposed to warm, low salinity water. It has been found to increase in frequency over time, especially in coastal regions. To better understand how this bacterium will spread in the future, researchers have created an ecological niche model to link oceanographic and climate data to its geographical distribution. Using data from the past three decades, they have predicted that the bacterium could potentially reach major population centers in the eastern United States by 2041 to 2060. Additionally, the number of cases could double if greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current rate and temperatures rise as expected. This article was authored by Elizabeth J. Archer, Craig Bacostin, Timothy J. Osborne and others.