The sludge in your shower drain? That could be scientists’ next big find : Short Wave : NPR

See the rust on this pipe pumping natural mineral water? That rust is produced by microbes, and some scientists think those microbes — and others like them found in our homes, showers and bathroom drains — could be our next big discovery.

Ari Daniel

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Ari Daniel

Microbes are little alchemists that perform all manner of chemical reactions. A team of microbiologists co-founded a nonprofit to try to harness those abilities to solve some of the world’s big problems — from carbon capture to helping coral reefs to cleaning up waste.

Recently, the team turned its attention to the microbes living in people’s homes — on and in shower heads, drip pans and hot water heaters. These rather extreme environments may have pressured microorganisms into surviving in ways that could be advantageous to humans. Science reporter Ari Daniel takes us on a treasure hunt in miniature.

Interested in more about the weird and wonderful world of microbes? Email us your question at [email protected].

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This episode was produced by Hannah Chinn. It was edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones checked the facts. The audio engineer was Robert Rodriguez.