3 ms·
I'm not a biologist but how can certain bacteria and viruses be resistant to alcohol? I barely recall an internet discussion where people were concerned about
by s_dev 3y ago
I'm not a biologist but how can certain bacteria and viruses be resistant to alcohol?
I barely recall an internet discussion where people were concerned about "super bugs" coming about from using alcohol to disinfect -- "will this not create a resistance in them by using the one tool we know works to kill bacteria" they inquired.
I recall a researcher saying it would be like humans becoming resistant to nuclear explosions. It just simply won't happen and yet here we are.
- margalabargala 3y agoNothing will ever grow in pure alcohol, but there exist some spores which can last varying lengths of time in alcohol before being destroyed. To continue the same analogy, humans will never become resistant to nuclear explosions, but we can build bunkers that allow us to last for varying lengths of time after one happens. The better the bunker, the longer we last. If the alcohol isn't applied long enough then the longest lasting spores can make it through.
- robocat 3y agoThe Evolution of Bacteria on a “Mega-Plate” Petri Dish: https://youtu.be/plVk4NVIUh8 https://youtu.be/plVk4NVIUh8
- quaddo 3y agoI used to think that isopropyl alcohol was the last word in cheap-and-convenient surface sterilization, such as hands. For better or for worse, watching a handful of YT videos from doctors saying "just wash the wound with soap and water" or even "all you need is to wash your hands with soap and water" has made me dial back the "douse it with alcohol" thinking. I still use alcohol from time to time. Or hydrogen peroxide, depending. But at least now I'll get a fresh wound (cat bite or whatever) under a thorough rubbing with soap + water as the immediate first step. A thorough wash, at that.