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Snowflakes May Contain Bacteria

Snowflakes May Contain Bacteria

Washington Post   |  David Brown   |   March 3, 2008 10:32 AM

Read More: Snow And Bacteria, Snow And Bacterial Cells, Breaking Living News
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What could be less contaminated than a newly minted snowflake falling gently out of the sky?

Well . . . a few things, probably.

A study last week in the journal Science found that a fair number of snowflakes appear to form around bacterial cells. And this may not be a chance occurrence: It may be part of a bacterium's life plan.

In most cases, ice crystals in a snowflake start growing on a "nucleator" -- some airborne particle. At very low temperatures, dust can suffice. At temperatures just below freezing, however, biological material may work best.

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- demodred I'm a Fan of demodred permalink

I always deep fry my snow before I eat it.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:57 PM on 03/04/2008
- TheMadScientist I'm a Fan of TheMadScientist permalink

Just remember, it's the YELLOW snow that you have to watch out for.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:30 PM on 03/03/2008
- Sciguy I'm a Fan of Sciguy permalink
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Oh, my - I don't suppose that means we'll have to cook them before we eat them?

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:54 PM on 03/03/2008
- RTIII I'm a Fan of RTIII permalink

Snowflakes still count as among the most pure sources of water in nature.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:43 AM on 03/03/2008
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