Study Co-Authored by Colwell on Common Household Bacteria Featured in Baltimore Sun

A study published by Rita Colwell, a Distinguished University Professor of cell biology and molecular genetics with an appointment in UMIACS, and researchers on how households carry a common community of bacteria was recently featured in the Baltimore Sun.

The research team’s findings show that common types of bacteria populate surfaces such as doorknobs, counters and floors, and are shared by both humans and pets. It travels with us like another member of the family and quickly takes over new environments, such as a new home or even a hotel room, with a distinct signature like fingerprints.

The study followed seven families for six weeks, requiring them to constantly swab their household surfaces and themselves. The findings, published in the journal Science, could help improve understanding of the role environments play in child development, including conditions like food allergies.

Read more here.