Highly resistant bacteria in our microwave ovens

Microbiome is a community of microorganisms, and is a term commonly used to talk about the human microbiome. It is a collection of bacteria, fungi, or yeasts that exist in our body. But Researchers from the University of Valencia In Spain, it was noted that the microwave oven also has its own microbiome, despite the extreme conditions in which these bacteria develop, since the principle of these ovens is that they send out electromagnetic waves capable of heating water molecules and therefore food.

The scientists thus described the microbiomes of 30 ovens used either in private kitchens, communal kitchens or in laboratories. The first lesson from their analysis is that microwaves kill bacteria that are harmful to humans. That’s the good news. Microwaves kill dangerous bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria.

On the other hand, the researchers detected traces of about a hundred other bacteria. Some are well known, such as bacilli, micrococcus or even staphylococcus. These are bacteria that can be found on your skin and that can be harmful in some cases. But there are others, more original, called extremophiles. These are organisms that evolve in inhospitable environments, too hot or too cold, too acidic or with high pressures, such as the deep seabed. Conditions that would kill most bacteria, but not those for whom these environments are natural.

However, don’t worry when you’re reheating your quiche or your bowl of milk: Scientists confirm that despite the presence of these bacteria, microwave ovens are not reservoirs of pathogens. This study is here to remind you that these ovens are not virgin places either, contrary to the popular belief that microwave cooking kills bacteria and viruses. The researchers point out that it is essential to clean them regularly. But the interest for them lies elsewhere: expanding the study of extremophile bacteria, as it could lead to biotechnological applications.