Over 600 Newly Discovered Viruses Found in Showerheads and Toothbrushes
In a surprising discovery, American scientists have identified more than 600 previously unknown viruses in bathroom samples, including from showerheads and toothbrushes! While this may sound alarming, the good news is that these viruses are not harmful to humans—in fact, many may even be beneficial. Curious to learn more? Dive into the details of this unexpected finding!
A new study led by Northwestern Engineering has revealed the presence of previously unknown viruses in showerheads and toothbrushes!
In the research conducted in the United States, samples were collected from 96 showerheads and 34 toothbrushes from various bathrooms. When these samples were examined, 614 viruses were observed, leaving the scientific community astonished at the 'untouched biological diversity' in bathrooms. Moreover, many of these viruses are likely new to science!
These new findings, published on October 9, 2024, in the journal Frontiers in Microbiomes, could shape future phage therapies!
Erica Hartmann, a professor of microbiology at Northwestern University and the study's lead author, said, 'The number of viruses we found is absolutely crazy.'
While the discovery of hundreds of viruses on your toothbrush might sound alarming, it is actually not a cause for concern!
These viruses do not harm humans, but instead provide benefits. They are made up of bacteriophages, or 'phages', which infect bacterial cells. According to scientists' initial findings, these newly discovered viruses could be useful in developing treatments against antibiotic-resistant superbugs! In fact, scientists are working on 'phage therapies', where viruses are used to complement or replace traditional antibiotics, overcoming dangerous bacteria's defenses.
Hartmann stated, "We saw essentially no overlap in the types of viruses found between showerheads and toothbrushes."
Initially begun as a project to understand 'what kinds of microbes live in our homes,' the study has opened doors to new research. Hartmann emphasized the biological diversity revealed by the 614 viruses, saying, 'There was essentially no overlap in virus types between showerheads and toothbrushes. Each showerhead and each toothbrush is like its own little island. This highlights the incredible diversity of viruses there.'
Scientists had previously estimated that there are likely about 1 trillion microbial species on our planet, with 99.9% of them yet to be discovered.
Hartmann said, 'Microbes are everywhere, and the vast majority of them are not going to make us sick.' She also hinted at future research, stating, 'We can imagine taking these mycobacteriophages and using them as a way to clean pathogens out of your plumbing system.'
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