There are many kinds of bacteria hidden in the microwave oven, so regular cleaning is essential!

In modern society, microwave ovens have become an indispensable part of homes and laboratories. They are well-known for quickly heating food and liquids, but a recent study revealed a surprising fact: microwave ovens have their own microbial community inside. This discovery not only challenges our traditional understanding of microwave ovens, but also provides new perspectives for our understanding of how microorganisms survive under extreme conditions.

"Extremophiles" are organisms that can survive in extreme environments, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents or Antarctic ice. However, researchers at the University of Valencia in Spain have discovered that these hardy creatures also make their home inside our microwaves. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, is the first in-depth look at the microbial ecosystem inside microwaves.

The researchers sampled 30 microwave ovens in different usage scenarios, including homes, shared spaces, and laboratories. They used culture techniques and gene sequencing to analyze the samples and found 101 different bacterial strains. Some of these bacteria belong to the flora that are commonly found on human skin, such as Bacillus, Micrococcus, and Staphylococcus. In addition, bacteria associated with foodborne diseases, such as Klebsiella and Brevibacterium, were found in home microwave ovens.

Laboratory microwaves showed the highest bacterial genetic diversity, likely because they are frequently exposed to radiation, heat, and dryness. These conditions may have "selected" for strains of microbes that can tolerate extreme environments.

"While a variety of bacteria have been found in microwaves, this does not mean that all of them are harmful to humans. In fact, many bacteria are harmless or even beneficial. However, this study does remind us that microwaves are not sterile environments and need to be cleaned regularly to prevent potential pathogens from accumulating."

Even more interesting is that these extremophiles found in microwave ovens may have potential for biotechnological applications. They may play a role in bioremediation of toxic wastes due to their ability to survive extreme conditions.

For the public, the main message from this study is that microwaves need to be cleaned regularly like other surfaces in the kitchen. This will not only help keep the microwave hygienic, but also reduce any potential health risks.

The discovery of the microbial community inside microwave ovens not only enriches our understanding of microbial ecology, but also reminds us that we need to pay more attention to the cleaning and maintenance of household appliances in our daily lives. As technology develops, we may find out more about how these tiny organisms survive and thrive in the environment around us. Now, every time we use a microwave to heat food, we may think that the miracle of life may be nurturing inside these fast-heating machines.