Viruses Found on Toothbrushes Are ‘Unlike Anything Seen Before’

Gizmodo Scientists have discovered over 600 different species of bacteria-hunting viruses living in our common bathroom items, though the microbes pose no harm to people. Some of the most diverse environments in the world can be found right in our bathrooms—virally speaking. Scientists swabbed people’s toothbrushes and showerheads and found them brimming with hundreds of different viruses, many of which have never been discovered until now. Thankfully, though, these bacteria-hunting viruses aren’t dangerous to people. The world is filled with countless viruses, bacteria, and other microscopical life. While the vast majority of these microbes pose no threat to humans, many can provide us important lessons about their surroundings and some might even provide practical applications, such as new ways to fend off bad germs. So scientists are always interested in cataloging previously unknown microbial neighborhoods, also known as microbiomes.

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