Comment on Our toothbrushes are home to hundreds of new viruses. They could be the future of biotech.

Our toothbrushes are home to hundreds of new viruses. They could be the future of biotech.

New research founds hundreds of previously unseen viruses are hanging out on our toothbrushes and shower heads, but that might be a very good thing for future biotech innovation.Sally Anscombe/Getty ImagesA new study found hundreds of unique viruses called bacteriophage on toothbrushes and shower heads.Phage target bacteria, not humans, and could be a useful tool against disease.Phage research may spark innovations in biotech to fight antibiotic-resistant pathogens.The next big breakthrough in disease-fighting innovation could be no further away than your bathroom.A recent study found hundreds of viruses on samples from toothbrushes and shower heads, including many that have never been seen before, let alone examined.But this specific kind of viruses, known as bacteriophage, aren't concerning for human health because they target and infect bacteria, not us, according to Erica Hartmann, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northwestern University who led the study."It's still a big deal; it's just not scary.

 

Comment On This Story

Welcome to Wopular!

Welcome to Wopular

Wopular is an online newspaper rack, giving you a summary view of the top headlines from the top news sites.

Senh Duong (Founder)
Wopular, MWB, RottenTomatoes

Subscribe to Wopular's RSS Fan Wopular on Facebook Follow Wopular on Twitter Follow Wopular on Google Plus

MoviesWithButter : Our Sister Site

More Business News