Everyday bacteria

Yesterday, I visited the Maryland Science Center. There I conducted 2 experiments. In the first experiment I extracted DNA from wheat germ. It was really cool.

The second experiment was really gross. It showed that antibacterial hand soap, antibacterial gel, and household cleaner do not completely destroy bacteria. Do you know which of these did the best? It was the hand gel. The household cleaner killed some. The hand soap did nothing. It was really disgusting.

Bacteria has been around for way longer, millions of years, before us. Bacteria adapt to the environment. A 17 year old girl did this experiment for a science fair and learned that bacteria resistant to most antibacterial stuff and then resistant to antibiotics. Scientists are continuing her studies.

Washing your hands with soap and water many times a day is still the best way to get rid of germs and bacteria.