https://tecscience.tec.mx/en/biotechnology/bacteria-in-microwave/ Skip to content tec-de-monterrey-seeklogo.com-optimized-1.svg EN | ES Search Search [ ] JOIN OUR MAILING LIST! Facebook Instagram Youtube Linkedin [tec-de-monterrey-seeklogo] EN | ES Search Search [ ] logo-negro-tecscience.svg Menu * Biotech * Health * Tech * Human & Social * Business Innovation * Science Communication [logo-negro-tecscience] * Biotech * Health * Tech * Human & Social * Business Innovation * Science Communication * Biotech * Health * Tech * Human & Social * Business Innovation * Science Communication SHARE * Biotechnology Microwaves: A Haven for Bacterial Diversity Scientists have discovered "extremophiles" capable of surviving --and even thriving-- in the most hostile environments. [66bc3750413ff691901953] Picture of TecScience TecScience * August 13, 2024 Microwaves, indispensable appliances that heat food in seconds, also harbor bacteria that can withstand some of the harshest conditions imaginable. Researchers from the University of Valencia in Spain have found that these everyday devices are home to a surprising diversity of bacteria in household and laboratory settings. Alba Iglesias, a microbiologist, and her team collected samples from 30 microwave ovens, some from private homes, others shared in large communal spaces --like offices-- and several used in laboratories for heating samples and chemical solutions. The researchers then cultured these samples in Petri dishes to identify the types of microbes. They also sequenced the DNA extracted from the microwaves to understand the bacterial diversity inside these appliances better. Resilient Organisms The scientists discovered "extremophiles" in the microwaves organisms that can survive, and even flourish, in the most extreme environments, such as the freezing ice of Antarctica and the crushing pressures of the Earth's crust. Despite their everyday use to eliminate microorganisms in food, microwaves are a refuge for many bacteria commonly found on human skin, such as Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. While previous studies have identified distinct microbial communities in kitchen appliances like dishwashers and coffee makers, this is the first time the microwave oven has been investigated to determine if it hosts its own unique microbiome. Microwaves in homes and shared areas showed a predominance of food-associated bacteria, suggesting that the bacterial composition varies depending on the environment and usage. "Since the 1980s, we've been told that if you use a microwave, it heats everything, kills everything," says Jason Tetro, an independent microbiologist known as "The Germ Guy" in Edmonton, Canada, who Nature interviewed. This study is "important," Tetro says because it highlights the potential pathogens in these devices, especially shared ones. The Need to Clean Our Microwaves...More Often According to the researchers, the findings underscore the importance of regularly cleaning microwaves to reduce potential health risks, particularly in environments where food is handled. Moreover, this opens up new avenues for exploring the biotechnological applications of bacteria resistant to extreme conditions, which could benefit various industries. The study sheds new light on a common household appliance and encourages us to think about the microbiota that coexists with us in our everyday environments. (With information from Nature) Related news image of a planet cut by the middle with wind energy generators Synergy Forum: Applied Research for the Future of Mexico Animation showing a representation of day and night, with the sun and moon, to illustrate the ideal time for sleep. 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Tecnologico C.P. 64849 Monterrey, Nuevo Leon Tel. +52 (81) 8358-2000 Institutes and research centers Tec Research Institute for the Future of Education Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing Institute for the Future of Education Center for the Future of Cities Femsa Biotechnology Center Water Center for Latin America and the Caribbean oriGen Project Research Data Hub Directories, rankings and summit Rankings Tecnologico de Monterrey Tec Science Summit Premio Romulo Garza Tec Research Tecnologico de Monterrey Rankings Tec Science Summit Romulo Garza Award Tec Science Divulgation Research groups and others Researchers at Tec de Monterrey Faculty of research professors Research Groups with a Strategic Focus TecSalud Research Competitive and Technological Intelligence (ICTI) Technology Transfer Offices Science Connexion Sign up to our weekly newsletter Editorial and publishing guidelines Divulgation Articles Amateur Science Editorial Team Editorial Committee Transferencia archive Divulgation Articles Previous editions Do you want to request a coverage or a banner? 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