Your Microwave Has Its Own Microbiome of Radiation-Resistant Bacteria

You have heard of the gut microbiome, but what about the microwave microbiome? New research published in Frontiers in Microbiology found that microwaves in homes, offices, and laboratories harbor their own distinct communities of microbes. Researchers swabbed 30 microwaves and cultivated 101 bacterial strains representing 747 different genera. Many were common skin bacteria, but some are known to cause food-borne illnesses. The study challenges the belief that microwaves successfully kill harmful bacteria. Laboratory microwaves had the most diverse bacteria, including extremophiles—microbes that can withstand extreme conditions. These same hardy organisms have been found in hydrothermal vents, inside Earth's crust, and in Antarctica. Scientists hypothesize that microwaves actually select for bacteria able to resist radiation from the pool of microbes present in the environment. The good news is that microwave microbiomes are not any dirtier than other kitchen surfaces, but it is a reminder that microwaves need regular cleaning just like everything else.