 Kerli is a type of protein fiber found in bacteria that forms a strong bond between the bacterium and its environment. This bond helps the bacterium to adhere to surfaces and resist environmental stresses such as heat or desiccation. Recent research has revealed that kerli is composed of multiple protein subunits, each of which has unique structural features. By combining computational modeling and cryo-electron microscopy, scientists were able to create an atomic model of kerli-proto-fibril, providing insight into how these structures interact and how they may be used to engineer new materials. This article was authored by Mike Slutel, Brodger Bandu Pravane, Alexander M. Volkov, and others.