Can someone hurry up an invent subway surfaces that do not accumulate germs?
5
Will this study be the first and last of it's kind? So we now know there are strange forms,most of them dead or the ones that are alive innocuous. The money spent on this random DNA study could be money spent on finding DNA at crime scenes which would conclusively prove a person is guilty or innocent. It could determine the life or death of a person and the incarceration of the wrong person while the criminal runs around free.Stop spending money on studies for just curiosity's sake.
Betcha you won't be able to find a bottle of hand sanitizer at CVS tomorrow morning. In fact I'll be at the 86th & Lex station tomorrow selling them for $5.00 a bottle.
9
From the article: "The Bronx was found to be the most diverse borough in terms of microbial species. Brooklyn claimed second place..."
So I've heard. It wasn't told in the article, but the Brooklyn microbes often sported flannel shirts and beards, many of them riding bicycles. The Bronx ones had work clothes on and uttered colorful phrases while on public transportation.
12
I spent 6 years in Manhattan riding the subway every week and came down with a total of 2 common colds, some seasonal allergies, and nothing else. I spent 5 years teaching public school in Minneapolis before that—driving my car to work every day—and averaged 4 colds per school year. I'd rather ride the subway than work in a room full of kids.
37
Headline at the Onion website: "Children Responsible for Billions in Lost Productivity in America; Some Question Their Social Usefulness"
9
I try my best not to touch anything on the subway. I don't even sit down.
6
Good thing they left out how much poop they found. I'm all for a healthy level of microbes in my environment but the truth is that too many people are (in my view) unaware and inattentive in pretty much every aspect of their existence.
4
I'm pretty sure I was sitting next to one of those unknown organisms last night on the no. 1 train.
21
There can be nothing healthy about the black mold covering the walls, ceiling and even the lighting fixtures of the 53rd and Lexington train platform. This is an extremely busy, crowded station during rush hour with thousands of people exposed each day. I've ridden the NYC subways for more than 30 years and this station is among the worst I've experienced with regard to water seepage. Look at how many homes were quarantined and or condemned after Sandy due to untreated water damage resulting in mold infestation.
9
Reading this, and other Times articles this week, it occurs to me that it's once again time to quote and paraphrase Hannah Arendt:
"Not man but men inhabit this planet. Plurality is the law of the earth."
And, in paraphrase:
"Not man but men [, women, other genders and zillions of bacteria] inhabit this planet. Plurality is the law of the earth."
"Not man but men inhabit this planet. Plurality is the law of the earth."
And, in paraphrase:
"Not man but men [, women, other genders and zillions of bacteria] inhabit this planet. Plurality is the law of the earth."
3
When riding the subways, I have often wondered what is 'hanging out' in the system, particularly on the poles. It is nice in the winter, since that gives you the comfort of wearing gloves without being thought a bit crazy.
2
It is nice to know that the NY subway has also as big a melting pot as the rest of the city.
6
Thank you to the scientists doing this work... and for what purpose?? because they can! and you never know what you can find out from this kind of investigation.
and to those who don't want to hear that their might be anthrax, etc on the surfaces...stop covering your ears..grow up.. learn some science...get out of the dark ages.
and to those who don't want to hear that their might be anthrax, etc on the surfaces...stop covering your ears..grow up.. learn some science...get out of the dark ages.
5
Finnish DNA in Brooklyn to the south of Prospect Park?
My grandmother's family and friends were all Finnish and lived in that area 70-110 years ago.
Indeed, this study demonstrates that there IS life after death!
My grandmother's family and friends were all Finnish and lived in that area 70-110 years ago.
Indeed, this study demonstrates that there IS life after death!
10
There is a lot being written about the importance of beneficial bacteria and the gut; the understanding is that being around dirt and animals is a benefit, as is eating fermented foods. So, wouldn't touching subway poles be a good thing in this regard?
11
I use the subway twice a day Monday through Friday; haven't been sick in over 3 years. Just wash your hands with soap and water when you get to wherever you're going. Easy.
7
The thought of this is pretty yucky. But its a good reminder that we should do more scientific research into microbes, viruses, parasites misfolded proteins and the like that cause diseases that we can't cure yet.
The best resources I have found to learn more about these teeny-weeny tricksters is Jay Ingram's Fatal Flaws: How a Misfolded Protein Baffled Scientists and Changed the Way We Look at the Brain.
The best resources I have found to learn more about these teeny-weeny tricksters is Jay Ingram's Fatal Flaws: How a Misfolded Protein Baffled Scientists and Changed the Way We Look at the Brain.
1
Somehow I am not surprised!
2
Mmmmm .... after reading this article I'm thankful I only have to deal with LA freeways to get to work.
I'll take being immunized against microbes by low level exposure over living in a sea of tailpipe fumes!
17
Sounds like an X-File episode. Trust No One.
4
It feels great to finally have my germaphobia validated by science at last.
8
Actually, with so many microbes surrounding so many healthy people, I would read the opposite conclusion - there's not much to fear.
3
Actually, you're half-validated.
Yes, the study proves that there ARE germs everywhere.
But, no, you DON'T need to be phobic - your immune system, including the billions of germs that live on and in your own body, was handling things just fine without you either directing it or even knowing about it.
Yes, the study proves that there ARE germs everywhere.
But, no, you DON'T need to be phobic - your immune system, including the billions of germs that live on and in your own body, was handling things just fine without you either directing it or even knowing about it.
5
I suspect YYL is kidding to a greater or lesser extent not requiring a serious retort. In seriousness though, phobias are not acquired consciously so there's no decision to be made to have or not have one.
When I told a now ex-girlfriend that she and her kids need not be germaphobic as that battle was long lost, 10 trillion microbes to 1 trillion human cells, it didn't do much for the relationship.
For me, I love microbes and take them everywhere I go.
When I told a now ex-girlfriend that she and her kids need not be germaphobic as that battle was long lost, 10 trillion microbes to 1 trillion human cells, it didn't do much for the relationship.
For me, I love microbes and take them everywhere I go.
3
These trillions of new bacteria, don't seem to be so problematic, could they explain why it hasn't affected the billions of people who live in total filth every day!
2
As some of you already know, we live. work, eat, have sex, along with
everything else, in an ocean of parasites. If your immune system is
healthy, literally there is nothing to worry about folks. Seriously though,
after reading this article, I thought hah hah, there are actually aliens living
among us.
everything else, in an ocean of parasites. If your immune system is
healthy, literally there is nothing to worry about folks. Seriously though,
after reading this article, I thought hah hah, there are actually aliens living
among us.
7
Maybe the MTA system should consider offering its exotic microbes to research universities and pharmaceutical companies for a fee. It certainly would help NYC upgrade some antiquated infrastructure.
8
Yet another reason why New York City is the best city in the world. In one week I have learned that the subway system contains unknown microbial species and some gas stations have robotic machines that make ice cream shakes with real ice cream. How can anybody possibly doubt that New York is the best?
17
A microbiologist once described a human as "the invention of microbes in order to have a perfect home." Perhaps now we know they have chosen a second option?
18
You could describe most of human culture and technology as microbe home-improvement projects. Though I suppose if the online edition of the NYT ever supplants the print edition, that will, for the microbes, be like a favorite bus line shutting down.
5
I would like to comment on one statement in the article:
"The presence of anthrax, Dr. Mason said, “is consistent with the many documented cases of anthrax in livestock in New York State and the East Coast broadly.”
I'm curious if the fragments of anthrax DNA that were found in the subway system were cutaneous anthrax or inhalation anthrax, assuming there may be a difference between the two.
Furthermore, you don't have to assume the anthrax DNA fragments came from livestock. Back in 2001, there was anthrax in New York City from an as-yet unsolved bioterrorist incident. And in 2006, a man who was making African Drums, who lived in New York City, contracted anthrax from untreated animal skins he had obtained in Africa to make the drums.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/em/aero_anthrax.shtml
So there have been other potential sources of anthrax in New York City besides from regional livestock.
"The presence of anthrax, Dr. Mason said, “is consistent with the many documented cases of anthrax in livestock in New York State and the East Coast broadly.”
I'm curious if the fragments of anthrax DNA that were found in the subway system were cutaneous anthrax or inhalation anthrax, assuming there may be a difference between the two.
Furthermore, you don't have to assume the anthrax DNA fragments came from livestock. Back in 2001, there was anthrax in New York City from an as-yet unsolved bioterrorist incident. And in 2006, a man who was making African Drums, who lived in New York City, contracted anthrax from untreated animal skins he had obtained in Africa to make the drums.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/em/aero_anthrax.shtml
So there have been other potential sources of anthrax in New York City besides from regional livestock.
12
Of greater concern to public health is not the surface contamination as much as the aeresolized droplets of respiratory secretions floating in the confined air of underground places like the subway. Viral infections of flu and common cold cause far more damage to public health. Asian societies that are more accepting of wearing surgical masks in public places have the right idea.
13
That would only be true if people in Asian societies that are more accepting of wearing surgical masks in public places were less likely to catch germs. Unless that is proved true, they are just walking around with surgical masks on their faces.
2
I hate to disappoint you, but there are very sparse data regarding how helpul any face mask can be. They prevent LARGE droplets from being spewed out (at least until the mask is saturated with humidity from expired (humid) air. But how much they prevent the tiny particles is unclear. And when moistened with expired humidity from the lungs, which is inevitable, all bets are off. The most important thing is to WASH YOUR HANDS.
2
Face masks do help prevent the wearers from transferring microbes to their faces, eyes. noses and mouths with their hands, a primary route for infection.
1
Perhaps this finding is really a commentary on what we don't know about DNA. If the same study were done for samples collected from hospital bedside tables, what percentage of the DNA would belong to "known organisms?"
21
WOW, "“deeply flawed” and misleading." Got to love how everyone makes something negative. Sounds to me that they are uneducated.
Clearly there is no harm to humans by these organisms. If they are afraid of the public worrying about this study, then that just means that they think the public is to stupid to understand what the study was and the results.
Clearly there is no harm to humans by these organisms. If they are afraid of the public worrying about this study, then that just means that they think the public is to stupid to understand what the study was and the results.
6
Surprise, we ride in train cars where I have seen feces, vomit, feet on seats and on poles, sick people coughing and hacking, food packaging littering cars and stations, and rats. It's our lot.
4
"In an area of Brooklyn to the south of Prospect Park that roughly encompassed the Kensington and Windsor Terrace neighborhoods, the DNA gathered frequently read as British, Tuscan, and FINNISH, three groups not generally associated with the borough."
There has been an old Finnish immigrant community at Sunset Park called Finntown south of Procpect Park, so it shouldn't be suprising to find Finnish DNA there. There are Finns still living there.
There has been an old Finnish immigrant community at Sunset Park called Finntown south of Procpect Park, so it shouldn't be suprising to find Finnish DNA there. There are Finns still living there.
22
"'People don’t look at a subway pole and think, ‘It’s teeming with life,’ said Dr. Christopher E. Mason, a geneticist at Weill Cornell Medical College and the lead author of the study."
That's where Dr. Mason is wrong. Many of us try to hold subway bars with only one finger, gratefully keep our gloves on in winter, glance back to see what we're sitting on when we're lucky enough to get a seat, never touch our faces until we get to work and wash up and, not wanting to get into bed with everyone else in the subway car, take our showers in the evening.
Of course, the subways are cleaner now than they used to be, but old habits die hard.
That's where Dr. Mason is wrong. Many of us try to hold subway bars with only one finger, gratefully keep our gloves on in winter, glance back to see what we're sitting on when we're lucky enough to get a seat, never touch our faces until we get to work and wash up and, not wanting to get into bed with everyone else in the subway car, take our showers in the evening.
Of course, the subways are cleaner now than they used to be, but old habits die hard.
27
And don't forget to take your microscope.
1
Thanks Mr, Muga. I know the microbes are there; I do not need to introduce myself.
Cheers.
Cheers.
1
That sounded horrifying, until I reflected on what they would have collected in some of the places I've lived.
14
This study is truly a testament to the wonders of our incredible immune system. Human biology is indeed miraculous.
But let's not leave our fate entirely to our original gifts. When you arrive at your destination--don't forget to wash your hands.
But let's not leave our fate entirely to our original gifts. When you arrive at your destination--don't forget to wash your hands.
60
I confess that, as an infectious diseases physician, when I take the subway I do whatever I can not to touch the grab bars with my hands. I wrap my elbow around the vertical rail in the middle of the car, if possible. I always carry hand disinfectant with me just in case. After watching people wipe their noses, their faces and elsewhere (some of it unmentionable) and then grab the hand rails, I can't help but think of these passenger aids as overrun with potentially infectious and revolting organisms. I guess it comes with the professional territory and this study just confirms my suspicions.
37
PSA: Wrapping your elbow around the pole prevents others from holding on, which endangers not only your fellow riders, but you as well.
1
Is any testing done of rodent carcasses in the subway system for plague bacillus?
4
I believe the plague was spread by fleas.
2
I just thought of the Bobsey Twins books which I read as a child; and one of the family rituals was to leave the tenements every Summer for a seaside holiday for their health. Didn't need no stinkin' DNA analysis to figure out the habits of communicable disease. On the other hand, I rode the subway a whole lot and often thought of it as immune system builder for the same reasons.
8
I loved how he referred to it as a rain-forest. I think the article was informative and I enjoyed it very much!
9
Perhaps we'll be lucky and, having been exposed to small amounts of what would otherwise be dangerous material, we New Yorkers may develop some level of immunity to the diseases they create.
Think of it...people coming here and riding the subway for their health!!!
Think of it...people coming here and riding the subway for their health!!!
11
I hope they keep up this research -- if they keep taking swabs from the same places over time, they'd be able to track how much (and how fast) genetic change occurs in NYC's microbial ecosystem.
4
I know where the microbes are getting their meals: the West Fourth Street subway station in the Village, where the embarrassing, astonishingly dingy and damaged walls drip with watery, nutritious slime and the floors offer the leftovers of rats fed by the leftovers of people. The MTA is doing its part to help the subway ecosystem with this one station alone (as anyone who has been there will verify).
Notwithstanding any of this, I still love New York (and the Village).
Notwithstanding any of this, I still love New York (and the Village).
9
" a large amount of Hispanic and Asian genes" ? How did this column get past the Science editor? Misleading language is blended in with a reasonable attempt at communicating the idea of shared DNA across geography (see next paragraph) but still, "a reliable database of Irish genes" ?
1
Ok the shorthand was crude but it is not incorrect to refer to sets of geneotypes that are found at a significantly higher frequency in certain ethnic/racial subgroups.
2
How many of the organisms in our biome have been identified? I've read they outnumber our cells by a factor of ten. Come on science and medicine let us dig in!
3
Well, what a surprise. That must be the most dirty and foul atmosphere in the world.
2
It always was filthy, and will continue to be so, until we figure out better and more suitable modes of transport. All these new bacteria are teed up for more mutations. I wonder what new deadly disease they have in store, or, new possibilities for cures?
1
Thats what you think.
This kind of stuff is everywhere. Literally, everywhere.
This kind of stuff is everywhere. Literally, everywhere.
Oh, no! I can see now an updated version of the unnerving PA message system : "Attention passengers this is an important message from the police department, if you see a suspicious package or loose unidentified noxious bacteria crawling on the poles, do not keep to yourself…"
5
The fact the the government reflexively denied and condemned what is, overall, a mild and interesting study show a deep dysfunction in the relevant department. It should be open and truthful with the public.
14
What happens on the F train, stays on the F train. We hope.
16
I've always been baffled. The MTA will spend upwards of 10 years renovating and refurbishing a subway station, and then never clean it. The subway is embarrassingly filthy. Filled with wonderment yes. The the station at the Seventh avenue stop at 53rd on the E line has an amazing display of stalactites, black as coal and quite large. Stalagmites are also forming on the platform floor, unfettered. I guess, however, we are in a cave.
16
The real question here is how much does the DNA found in the NYC subway system differ from the flora/fauna found on the elevator buttons in City Hall and Saks, or for that matter, on the elevator buttons and door handles in Weil-Cornell Medical Center. Remember to make sure your children wash their hands before eating or touching their faces.
5
The article states "...carries 5.5 million riders in an average week."
The figure should be 5.5 million riders in an average DAY.
The figure should be 5.5 million riders in an average DAY.
8
Actually, to be accurate, carries 5.5 million HUMAN riders in an average day:)
7
"a crowded, largely subterranean behemoth that carries 5.5 million riders in an average week," I was under the impression, after living here for 72 years, that the subway system carries 5.5 million riders every day.
19
That's 5.5 million rides (trips) a day, not riders (individuals).
Your impression is correct. You probably misread the sentence. The article states, "... carries 5.5 million riders on an average weekday" - WEEKDAY.
5
Mr. Lamonica,
The article does indeed say an average weekday, not week. So, your instincts are correct.
The article does indeed say an average weekday, not week. So, your instincts are correct.
1
Seems this story kind of buried the lede...what was it? Oh yeah: BUBONIC PLAGUE!
15
You can find it everywhere.
5
You should stay out of California and the southwest if the mere thought of plague raises such fear. Bubonic plague is in many of the wild rodents in the dry areas of the southwest, including California. There are usually a couple of cases each year, but with modern antibiotics it is easily curable it treated quickly.
8
"We may not realize it, but each one of us is a walking ecosystem. 90% of cells in the human body are bacterial, fungal, or otherwise non-human. Minuscule, eight-legged Demodex mites nestle head down inside the follicles of the eyelashes, feasting unnoticed on skin cells. Microscopic bacteria live on the tongue, teeth, and skin and in the intestine*. Dormant viruses like herpes simplex may loiter for years inside nerve cells. Perhaps strangest of all are the self-replicating, viruslike pieces of DNA that infected ancient humans and still make up about 8 percent of our genome."
Don't forget the goa'uld.
Don't forget the goa'uld.
23
@frankinbun in NY: good stuff until you got to the Stargate fictional race of the Goa'uld parasites taking over humans. Mixing fact with fiction makes the reader doubt the facts, as well as wonder if the writer suffers from paranoid delusions.
"The Goa'uld (pronounced "Go-wah-oold") are a race of sentient parasitic beings that take over hosts. Several species can serve as hosts, including humans and Unas. They originated on the planet designated P3X-888. They are also extremely egomaniacal due to their genetic memory and the adverse mental effects of the Sarcophagus technology. Goa'uld means "god" in the Goa'uld language. Races which will not serve them are completely destroyed without compromise or mercy whatsoever. (SG1: "Children of the Gods", "Thor's Hammer", "The First Ones")"
http://stargate.wikia.com/wiki/Goa'uld
On the other hand:
"Demodex is a genus of tiny parasitic mites that live in or near hair follicles of mammals.
Around 65 species of Demodex are known.[1] Two species living on humans have been identified: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, both frequently referred to as eyelash mites."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demodex
1
I die free!
1
“People don’t look at a subway pole and think, ‘It’s teeming with life...". Oh, but I do, and I always have -- that's the problem. I don't even like touching the handles of the carts at the grocery store, much less handrails and such. On the subway I try my best not to touch anything with bare skin.
20
Closer analysis will reveal that the NYC underground is occupied by C.H.U.D.s. They are the ones spreading the unidentifiable organisms....Seriously, the NYC metro system is awfully dirty. I get it: hundreds of thousands passing through. Our metro system in Sao Paulo is downright sparkling in comparison.
4
It's widely known that CHUD research is underfunded. Maybe now something will be done about it.
Let's go ahead and add this to the growing (no pun intended) list of things to worry about in this magical age - measles, Ebola, the flu (always) and the general filth around us. We must be fairly sturdy to get through this impossible gauntlet every day.
11
You can add to that the fears that too many have of odd terrorist attacks that just might come upon them at any moment. Ergo, we must be searched to board a plane.
1
j
How strange that just 0.2% of NY subway riders have human genomes. I always thought New Yorkers were a breed apart, but I didn't know they were that apart.
How strange that just 0.2% of NY subway riders have human genomes. I always thought New Yorkers were a breed apart, but I didn't know they were that apart.
19
I bet if you look at the protein structures of the coding regions, most would share homology to the structural universe. That's the analysis that needs to be done. I could do it but my computing cluster was just moved and I need to get it set up before I can do these calculations.
--Ram (http://compbio.org - excuse the move.)
--Ram (http://compbio.org - excuse the move.)
1
When the author mentioned the wealth of mystery DNA, I thought about a NYC subway rider sitting across from me onceyears ago. He seemed like he was a kid and he was wearing an astronaut-like helmet. His skin had an unusual tone and his head seemed bigger than normal even though he was wearing a helmet. Also, he was too serious for a kid of about 10, sitting upright and staring straight ahead. A rider next to him slapped him on the knee and asked him jokingly what planet he was from. The "kid" did not respond or react. The friendly rider looked puzzled. And I've always wondered since then, what if...
41
Watch the Republican presidential debates for 2016. You will find him there.
3
Harmless? I doubt it. My grandmother always wanted me to move out of NYC. She said it was too crowded for health, particularly the subway. The truth is that when I lived in NYC I often got sick with colds and the flu, severely.
2
On the other hand, your offspring are likely to develop less immunity to fewer things.
5
This is just a confirmation that we are enmeshed in a web of life. In fact we need said web. It's probably the ultimate in hubris, if not psychosis, to think that we are somehow separate from 'ol Mother Nature. Folks, we are enwrapped by Nature. And this ain't a bad thing. Wanting an unnatural, sterile, environment devoid of what some think of as creepy crawlies IS the bad thing. Much akin to cutting off your nose to spite your face.
John~
American Net'Zen
John~
American Net'Zen
17
Wonderment and psychosis aside, treatment resistant pathogens are on the rise, so some general degree of public awareness is called for. It's not hubris to ask someone not to cough all over other people in crowded public places, or to not spit where people walk, or for hospital and food prep personnel to observe basic hygiene protocol. The web of life can include being considerate.
1
Mostly harmless!
17
At last, confirmation of my own suspicions about the 'people' of New York after having been observing them, namely that less than 0.2% of their DNA matches the human genome!...
41
"... finding that almost half the genetic material did not match any known organism."
That makes perfect sense.
That makes perfect sense.
3
The moose DNA was especially troubling.
38
Just wondering if any of this material is in those supplement pills being sold at Walmart, Target, Walgreen's and GNC...
13
Now everyone knows why we should wash our hands often throughout the day, not only after using the bathroom , but since we all love to put our hand(s) near or on our mouth , we can easily , and often due get sick from one type of bug or another.. old habits, even after being taught, reminded and shown by scientists, die hard.
4
Such a simple concept for a study, and really fascinating results!Also, NYTimes, thank you for providing a direct link to the primary literature!
5
Wait.....didn't ANYONE at CDC see Men In Black?
10
“People don’t look at a subway pole and think, ‘It’s teeming with life,’ ” said Dr. Christopher E. Mason.
Clearly, Dr Mason never rides the subway.
Clearly, Dr Mason never rides the subway.
14
I remember a NYTimes article years about the germs found in Bart trains in San Francisco. Now New York. I bet every subway and rail system in the world has mysterious germs. If you're a germaphobe, tough luck. Just bear in mind that everywhere you go there will be germs.
7
Just read the reports of diseases that sweep through the passengers on any cruise ship. And those places at least look sort of clean.
5
We think we are at the top of the heap, but it is the microbes that allow us to be at all. Sure some microbes, can cause us a problem, but most are just part of life. If you have a normal healthy immune system, and wash your hands occasionally throughout the day, life is good.
14
Not everyone has a healthy immune system.
1
Need we remind ourselves, we are walking talking bacteria colonies. Bacteria in the human body outnumber human cells by 10 to 1. Most of these bacteria have never been characterized, and occasionally they are pathologic. Our immune systems keep them under control. We are basically human scaffolding surrounding a gut tube that is home to zillions of bacteria . Don't be disgusted by an enemy army of bacteria waiting for you on the subway: we have seen the "enemy" and they are us.
96
I very much enjoyed your last line: "We have seen the 'enemy' and they are us."
It is a scary thought, but so true. And not just in the physical sense, but also psychological.
It is a scary thought, but so true. And not just in the physical sense, but also psychological.
Give the credit to Pogo (and Walt Kelly).
3
So far as I could tell, the study did not involve checking the air quality. This is an important issue, especially this time of year.
Though most New Yorkers would laugh at the very idea, I wonder if people should be wearing masks like thousands do in Japan? Be careful what you touch and wash, wash, wash those hands the moment you enter your house or apartment. Plus, avoid touching your nose, mouth or around your eyes.
There is an interesting article about air quality and illnesses in Popular Science at this link:
http://www.popsci.com/take-deep-breath
The heading for the article is this: Right Now, You Are Breathing a Potentially Deadly Substance: Air
Doug Terry
Though most New Yorkers would laugh at the very idea, I wonder if people should be wearing masks like thousands do in Japan? Be careful what you touch and wash, wash, wash those hands the moment you enter your house or apartment. Plus, avoid touching your nose, mouth or around your eyes.
There is an interesting article about air quality and illnesses in Popular Science at this link:
http://www.popsci.com/take-deep-breath
The heading for the article is this: Right Now, You Are Breathing a Potentially Deadly Substance: Air
Doug Terry
4
" And the city’s health department called the study “deeply flawed” and misleading."
So, can one assume here that they are feeling guilty about something? Why make denials for something that isn't their fault. Nobody put the blame on them for "contaminating the subway". Why are things that one doesn't agree with always "deeply flawed", and what was their rebuttal in scientific terms? Yep, its water. No, you conclusion is wrong and deeply flawed.
I knew one could go "buggy" living in the big apple (now rotten?)
but this really takes the cake. anthrax. YIKES!
So, can one assume here that they are feeling guilty about something? Why make denials for something that isn't their fault. Nobody put the blame on them for "contaminating the subway". Why are things that one doesn't agree with always "deeply flawed", and what was their rebuttal in scientific terms? Yep, its water. No, you conclusion is wrong and deeply flawed.
I knew one could go "buggy" living in the big apple (now rotten?)
but this really takes the cake. anthrax. YIKES!
1
One half of the riders did not match any known organism!
8
Is it possible that bacteria that live in different areas have some influence with the people that inhabit that era. The best example I know is New England where each of the 6 states have distinctive differences. Rhode Island for one is very liberal while Connecticut is more conserveitive and even engaged in many types of military enterprises ( submarines, helicopters, small arms etc). In the early days the indians of these two areas shared the same differences with the Pequots of Connecticut being more warlike while the Narragansetts of Rhode Island were more peaceful.
2
"Almost half of the DNA found on the system’s surfaces did not match any known organism and just 0.2 percent matched the human genome."
That we can identify half of this living matter actually suggests that subway poles are teeming with microbes we know --in reality, from the rainforest, to Antartica, to the soil in our gardens, and the rocks miles deep under the earth, there are potentially many more microbes than are known to science. [Did the study look for viruses and protozoa as well, not just for backteria
But that comment about 0.2% is, well, funny and a bit naive, and what is to be expected. Of course there should be little human DNA, coming from cells shedded by passengers that attach to benches, poles, etc. Besides, human DNA should last only briefly on the subway, as it can be digested by microbial scavengers, and by mites and insects that eat such detritus.
That we can identify half of this living matter actually suggests that subway poles are teeming with microbes we know --in reality, from the rainforest, to Antartica, to the soil in our gardens, and the rocks miles deep under the earth, there are potentially many more microbes than are known to science. [Did the study look for viruses and protozoa as well, not just for backteria
But that comment about 0.2% is, well, funny and a bit naive, and what is to be expected. Of course there should be little human DNA, coming from cells shedded by passengers that attach to benches, poles, etc. Besides, human DNA should last only briefly on the subway, as it can be digested by microbial scavengers, and by mites and insects that eat such detritus.
4
Since the subway guy is not amused, They ought to do the same analysis, just as thoroughly, at their hospital, just as a fair is fair kinda thing. See how the boss likes it.
4
While this doesn't really phase me, it does make me even more grossed out that some people have full-on three-course meals while riding the subway. You'd be in a more sanitary environment if you were eating that bagel while on the toilet suffering from dysentery!
2
Maybe this is where scientists ought to be looking for sources of new antibiotics. Lick two subway poles and call me in the morning.
55
And to add, just a few rodents.
2
There are ways to identify microoganisms that don't grow well in traditional cultural methods. Some get crowded out by faster reproducing organisms. Some just don't grow because culture tecniques are not similar enough to their natural habitat. Some microbes exist in states of suspended animation akin to hibernation. Historically we only know the ones we can grow.
The next paradigm shift in microbiology is becoming aware of the incredible variety of microbes in our microbiome and the ways they interact with the rest of biology including us.
These new techniques look for shards of DNA, RNA and the caretacker molecules associated with these molecules of biology. For example one technique called MALDI-TOF (matrix assisted laser diabsorption ionization - time of flight) energizes highly consrved caretaker molecules that ribosomes (RNA) need to function and sends them to a spectograph and thus a unique pattern that identifies the microrganisms. In addition this pattern is like the VIN of your car, an identifier that enables you to follow that bug and it's progeny in an epidemicological fashion. MALDI-TOF does this for pennies and constructs a data base that is invaluable.
If I was a young person this paradigm shift will be the foundation for careers over the next several decades. And it's something that "matters", always a nice feature for a career.
The next paradigm shift in microbiology is becoming aware of the incredible variety of microbes in our microbiome and the ways they interact with the rest of biology including us.
These new techniques look for shards of DNA, RNA and the caretacker molecules associated with these molecules of biology. For example one technique called MALDI-TOF (matrix assisted laser diabsorption ionization - time of flight) energizes highly consrved caretaker molecules that ribosomes (RNA) need to function and sends them to a spectograph and thus a unique pattern that identifies the microrganisms. In addition this pattern is like the VIN of your car, an identifier that enables you to follow that bug and it's progeny in an epidemicological fashion. MALDI-TOF does this for pennies and constructs a data base that is invaluable.
If I was a young person this paradigm shift will be the foundation for careers over the next several decades. And it's something that "matters", always a nice feature for a career.
3
Welcome to the new, New York! How sweet it is, but you need to cross the east river, and journey to the southern portion of the Kings, to really taste its new flavor! Microbes, or not?!
1
My friend is an NYPD Detective, she told me about this fact about 15 years ago, so I don't think this study actually introduces anything that new that fills a gap in the literature of science. We already knew that most of the organisms weren't identified back then, and they still aren't today.
4
Besides New Yorkers there are immigrants and tourists riding the subways, buses & taxis, arriving at airports, train stations, & bus terminals from other cities, states, etc, visiting museums,attending Broadway shows, eating & drinking in restaurants & clubs, shopping, walking the streets, riding in elevators, etc.
Ooohh, signs of alien life?!
3
I've often commented to friends and family not living in NYC, that riding the subway is like licking a Petrie dish. I shouldn't wonder that my comment somehow made its way to the UES and the ears of the Weill researchers. Having ridden the various lines for years, I'm actually rather comforted in knowing that my body has built up an immunity sufficient to withstand the 4 train during rush hour. So, thank you, MTA, for providing a medicine that goes far beyond science. And, I would think that it be not inappropriate for that revered institution to adopt as its motto, "What doesn't kill you, makes you strong."
159
What a great and difficult study, one would expect to find many fragments of various microbes..no worries about bubonic plaque or anthrax, we must all wash our hands
3
Love science but this study is kind of creepy. Now I will think twice when grabbing a pole in a crowded subway. Hope the next project isn't public bathrooms.
1
What public bathrooms?
3
Only naive individuals who aren't well informed will find this study surprising. I'm sure cell phones, keys, steering wheels, door knobs, key boards, and any other surface in our lives frequently touched, will show a lot of diverse microbes.
36
Don't forget about cash. It should be right up there with everything else that you've listed in terms of being laden with all sorts of diverse microbes.
10
I wonder if people will start wearing surgical gloves on the subway now.
6
I already do. I refuse to touch any subway surface with my bare hands. Hell, I will not even sit on the subway without many layers of newspaper between me and the seat. It's bad enough that my 4am commute via the E train is littered with homeless dregs. Can't call them homeless if they live on the E train, correct?
And to think all these unknown riders are fare evaders. Now if anyone can invent microbe-sized MetroCards and turnstiles, and deputize enough friendly flora for effective enforcement, MTA's financial problems should be a thing of the past!
69
Well, the subway is underground so wouldn't you think there would be more microbes from dark, wet, dingy, dusty place and with humans?
2
An important reason why the city and perhaps CDC need urgently to reduce the large rat population.
Has the health dept any plan for dealing with it if bubonic plague speads rapidly in the city?
When warm weather returns you w ill see them crossing sidewalks in the evening--sometimes in broad daylight, as I do on the UWS.
Has the health dept any plan for dealing with it if bubonic plague speads rapidly in the city?
When warm weather returns you w ill see them crossing sidewalks in the evening--sometimes in broad daylight, as I do on the UWS.
3
Craig Venter (the american geneticist who, working on his own, beat the rest of the world in the human genome sequencing race by using smart technical shortcuts) is currently sampling the waters of the earth's oceans to identify new species. And it works.
Somehow, sampling the New york subway might constitute another interesting shortcut....
Somehow, sampling the New york subway might constitute another interesting shortcut....
9
This is true, sort of. Venter is only able to show that new species are there. But, as they are only genome sequences, and not actual organisms he is collecting, he has no idea what they actually look like... or do. Sort of like high-tech stamp collecting. Looks nice but what does it mean? Genes without knowledge of the organisms they came from is just.. data without context.
Our own bodies are only 1/10 human cells. We carry 10x as many cells of other organisms than our own cells. (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/strange-but-true-humans-carry-... And if those microbes all died, we'd be sick or dead soon, too, as our digestion would get messed up and our immune system would go haywire. We are walking ecosystems and we are usually perfectly healthy.
We could all benefit from knowing this, and start ditching the slew of antibacterial products that kill good and bad bacteria alike, messing up ecosystems that have been in harmony on the human body for thousands of years.
As in application of any pesticide, when you obliterate an ecosystem, opportunistic pathogens move in. In a healthy body, the niches are already occupied, and it is harder for a harmful pathogen to get traction. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11871461
Plus, the indiscriminate low-level constant use of antibacterial everything creates a good environment for the development of resistant bacteria.
So, let's all just get to know our tiny neighbors and not freak out about all those "germs." Not that I'm advocating licking the floor or not washing your hands before you eat, but overreacting doesn't help.
We could all benefit from knowing this, and start ditching the slew of antibacterial products that kill good and bad bacteria alike, messing up ecosystems that have been in harmony on the human body for thousands of years.
As in application of any pesticide, when you obliterate an ecosystem, opportunistic pathogens move in. In a healthy body, the niches are already occupied, and it is harder for a harmful pathogen to get traction. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11871461
Plus, the indiscriminate low-level constant use of antibacterial everything creates a good environment for the development of resistant bacteria.
So, let's all just get to know our tiny neighbors and not freak out about all those "germs." Not that I'm advocating licking the floor or not washing your hands before you eat, but overreacting doesn't help.
106
What a fantastic and surreal photograph accompanying this article. It captures a woman in all her splendor, despite her transit. As if she has resigned herself to accept the indignities of life including tiny little microbes and still retain her je ne sais quoi. A very New York state of mind.
13
Perhaps this info will bring back the custom of wearing gloves, even in warm weather. This is why they were in the past!
And anything that improves the habit of hand washing will be welcome.
And anything that improves the habit of hand washing will be welcome.
21
I wonder how often those gloves were washed? Think of doctors' white coats: going out into the wards, picking up heaven-knows-what, and hung up next to their similarly contaminated cousins at the end of the day.
3
I find this study reassuring. What would your reaction be if they found the subway as devoid of life as the moon? We would panic, and launch investigations to discover what is killing all the microbes.
71
Ewww. Doesn't encourage me to use the subway in NYC. The study results certainly give rise to unappetizing conjectures about mutant DNA and alien life forms.
10
Not quite sure what you're getting worked up over.
There's nothing scary about mutations in DNA and they have nothing to do with aliens. Yes, some mutations can be deleterious, but the process of mutation is quite natural. Furthermore, mutations are necessary for evolution and genetic diversity. DNA mutations have been of a great benefit to humanity and all forms of life.
There's nothing scary about mutations in DNA and they have nothing to do with aliens. Yes, some mutations can be deleterious, but the process of mutation is quite natural. Furthermore, mutations are necessary for evolution and genetic diversity. DNA mutations have been of a great benefit to humanity and all forms of life.
16
Think the taxis, busses or sidewalks are any different?
11
Or bathrooms, stall handles, handles in/on toilets, etc.?
2
“People don’t look at a subway pole and think, ‘It’s teeming with life,’ ” said Dr. Christopher E. Mason
On the contrary Dr. Mason, every time I look at a subway pole, just before wrapping my bare hand around it, I think exactly that.
On the contrary Dr. Mason, every time I look at a subway pole, just before wrapping my bare hand around it, I think exactly that.
200
Why I prefer riding in winter--I get fewer strange looks when I wear gloves!
6
So do I, just before wrapping my gloved hand around it.
And I'm sure many other fellow riders do (Dr. Mason!).
And I'm sure many other fellow riders do (Dr. Mason!).
3
Word!
1
The entire subway system filthy, litter everywhere and a haven for rats, insects and mice. The train service is sporadic with even the slightest problem affecting thousands of commuters. And finally. ..I'm tired of seeing inept MTA workers with clip boards scribbling away when more workers should be cleaning up and improving the general infrastructure. Been taking the subways for about 50 years and for the most part....service is mediocre at best. I'm looking forward to retirement and less interaction with an inept State Agency.
Citizens. ..hold your politicians accountable! Demand better service!
Citizens. ..hold your politicians accountable! Demand better service!
47
We should demand better education so our people will stop littering everywhere. It can be embarrassing to show NYC to foreign visitors.
12
Did you get sick on the subway? Or just of the subway?
1
ridership has gone up by one million, i believe since 1990.. WOW. lame multibillion dollar projects like the 2nd ave line won't do anything , perhaps adding a car or two to handle the extra riders and extending each station by the same length will help, probably cost the same, who knows ..
1
Mysterious microbes!? Really! They are just microcosm of the riders: mostly harmless, and .2% human. Did the scientist check the DNA for sardines?
48
The city shuts down when there's a dusting of snow and now we're supposed to fear one of the best forms of mass transit invented. What's happening to New Yorkers?! We're becoming soft little pieces of jelly. Buck up little ponies! Germs make your immune system stronger and hiking through snow is good exercise.
94
New Yorkers generally do act like a bunch of sad sacks lately, sure, but I don't see anything in this article indicating anyone should be fearful. The leader of the study himself said that "you've been healthy all along", meaning that there's nothing to be afraid of. The spokesman for the MTA said the same thing.
30
Glad you're not afraid at least. Me neither, though I wish the article had been written in a more objective fashion. While the article was very careful to not explicitly incite fear. However, the topic of the article and the points that were chosen to be mentioned (mystery microbes! anthrax! bubonic plague!) were definitely chosen to attract attention rather than to educate the reader. Later on the article did attempt to quell the fears it had attempted to rise, but it seemed a bit pushed. I am glad the scientists interviewed responded appropriately, but I am sorry that their work had to receive this tasteless review.
The only noteworthy part of this article was that a study was done documenting the microbes in NYC. The rest was just getting worked up about nothing.
The only noteworthy part of this article was that a study was done documenting the microbes in NYC. The rest was just getting worked up about nothing.
4
I think the more correct interpretation would be that germs make your immune system more educated, not necessarily stronger. Exposure to non-pathogenic antigens in your environment helps your immune system to calibrate its repertoire to better distinguish good from bad. All that being hyper clean will do is make your immune system more likely to mistake something non-threatening for a threat, driving allergy, asthma, and autoimmune diseases.
1
There is no five-second rule in the subway.
98
There's no five-second rule anywhere!
1
My very intelligent father in law always joked the smarter you are the more things bother you. Not being as brilliant as my father in law, if this article disturbs me and my travels on the subway he'll have a nervous break down.
27
I'm just glad these new microbes are using public transportation. Imagine the congestion if they all drove in to work every day. Glass half full!
288
Normal? Healthy? Perhaps. Nevertheless, when you've been handling things in public places, never touch your hand to your face until you've washed it.
24
Quite right. Maybe folks will be more aware now.
Better not to leave home? Perhaps.
Agreed. Number one basic sanitary practice. Your face is always the most vulnerable, exposed part of your body. Saliva, eyelashes, and nose hairs help some, thank goodness.
1
From now on, I take the bus.
10
Oh, yes, buses...much cleaner! ;) ;)
7
At least until the bus study comes out...
1
Think the buses area germ free?
4
Well, we've always suspected that the subways are full of strange and perhaps fearsome creatures . . . .
49