Microbes Thrive in Microwaves
Study Finds Specialized Microbial Communities in Common Household Appliance
A new study published in Frontiers in Microbiology challenges the common misconception that microwaves are sterile environments. Researchers found that microwaves, both in homes and laboratories, harbor specialized communities of highly adapted microbes, including extremophiles that can withstand harsh conditions.
The researchers cultured the strains and performed genetic sequencing on the microbes, detecting 747 different species within 24 phyla. The most diverse bacteria were found in microwaves used in laboratories, likely due to the variety of materials and samples that are heated in these devices. The study adds to existing work challenging the idea that microwaves are germ-free zones, and highlights the importance of understanding the microbiomes of common household appliances.
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