University of Florida engineers have found that microwaving sponges and plastic scrubby pads for two minutes appears to kill or inactivate many of the pathogens that cause food poisoning and related diseases. The findings are important because food-borne diseases afflict at least 6 million Americans annually and cause at least $4 billion in medical and other costs.

(Photo illustration/UF/Kristen Bartlett)
View larger image. To request a print-quality image, email newsdesk@ufl.edu.
Return to: Researchers: Microwave oven can sterilize sponges, scrub pads