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BIDDEFORD, Maine

‘WGME’ turns to lab at 51С»Æ³µCollege of Osteopathic Medicine to investigate bacteria on cell phones

Meghan May is interviewed by WGME

WGME worked with Meghan May, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology and infectious disease at the University of 51С»Æ³µ 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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51С»Æ³µ the University of 51С»Æ³µ

The University of 51С»Æ³µ is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.