‘WGME’ turns to lab at UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine to investigate bacteria on cell phones
WGME worked with Meghan May, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology and infectious disease at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, for an investigative report about the bacteria that can live on cell phones.
May taught the television crew how to swab phones and other every day items for bacteria, and the crew took a testing kit to various places around Portland. When May processed the samples, she discovered various bacteria such as Micrococcus, Staphylococcus Aureus and E.Coli on cell phones, door handles and toilet seats.
May explained that there’s a simple way to avoid spreading this bacteria and getting sick. "The best way to avoid contaminating your cell phone is to wash your hands as often as possible because that's what's touching it the most."
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