Different fonts could be a shorthand to add different emotional cues or signal different types of messages.

FORBES: Connect

Varying the geometry allows the pair to discern better the signal they see from different types of surface.

BBC: Mapping Earth's surface in 3D

This method can let the team know whether the contaminant-degrading microbes are healthy and growing, or, under some types of stress, possibly signal the need for more active remediation efforts at a site.

FORBES: Guest post written by Aaron Peacock