The sludge in your shower drain? That could be scientists’ next big find
NPR••business
Key Points:
- A team of microbiologists co-founded a nonprofit aimed at leveraging microbial chemical reactions to address global challenges such as carbon capture, coral reef preservation, and waste cleanup.
- The team is now exploring microbes found in domestic environments like shower heads, drip pans, and hot water heaters, which may have developed unique survival traits beneficial to humans.
- Science reporter Ari Daniel highlights this investigation as a miniature treasure hunt into the diverse and resilient world of household microbes.
- Listeners interested in microbial science are encouraged to submit questions via NPR's Short Wave program, which offers sponsor-free episodes and premium content through Short Wave+.
- The featured episode was produced by Hannah Chinn, edited by Rebecca Ramirez, with fact-checking by Tyler Jones and audio
