Microwaves: A Haven for Bacterial Diversity
Researchers from the University of Valencia found diverse bacteria, including extremophiles, in microwaves, challenging the belief that they eliminate microorganisms. Regular cleaning is essential to reduce health risks and explore biotechnological uses.
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Researchers from the University of Valencia have discovered a diverse range of bacteria, including extremophiles, in microwave ovens. These bacteria can survive in extreme environments, such as Antarctica and deep within the Earth. The study involved collecting samples from 30 microwaves, including those in homes, offices, and laboratories, and analyzing the microbial communities present. The findings revealed that, contrary to the common belief that microwaves eliminate all microorganisms, they actually serve as a habitat for various bacteria, including those typically found on human skin. The research highlights the importance of regularly cleaning microwaves, especially in shared spaces, to mitigate potential health risks. Additionally, the study opens up new possibilities for utilizing these resilient bacteria in biotechnological applications across different industries. This investigation is significant as it is the first to explore the unique microbiome of microwave ovens, contributing to a better understanding of the microbial life that coexists with humans in everyday environments.
- Microwaves harbor diverse bacteria, including extremophiles.
- The study involved samples from 30 microwaves in various settings.
- Contrary to popular belief, microwaves do not eliminate all microorganisms.
- Regular cleaning of microwaves is essential to reduce health risks.
- The research may lead to biotechnological applications of resilient bacteria.
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10 commentsWe're taught that heating has three styles: convection, conduction, radiation. But AFAIK, microwaving is a fourth and distinct style.
*: Even more specifically, they add rotational momentum to these molecules, which is not the same as heat, but gradually turns into heat (which is translational momentum) as they knock around. This, in addition to the fact that only the water is being heated, and that the microwave waves touch the food in an uneven pattern even if mitigated by a rotating platter, is why stirring or waiting or using "low power" (dithered) is an important part of microwave recipes, as well as why high moisture foods or intentional steaming works so much better in it
Does that follow? I'd expect that as organisms adapt to environments that diverge further from the inside of your body they also become less dangerous, all things being equal. But then again I'd never heard the idea that microwaves are sterile inside and given the standing waves inside I would have dismissed it.
It also doesn't help the default power is set to 100%, causing volcanic like explosion of anything with high amounts of moisture, like tomato sauce. God save your tongue on taking a bite out of a Hot Pocket that's been in there too long. You swear there's lava in the thing.
People just don't really know how to use microwaves.
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