Multi-scale interactions in Dictyostelium discoideum aggregation

► We investigated cellular aggregation in Dictyostelium discoideum using multifractal image analysis. ► Regions that ultimately became aggregation sites, as well as those that did not become aggregation sites, were multifractal. ► We modeled the interactions across scales over time using vector autoregression/error-correction methods. ► Aggregation and non-aggregation sites showed different patterns of across scale effects. ► Aggregation sites showed stronger and lasting effects of the larger scales on smaller scales.