Researchers have found previously unknown viruses on toothbrushes, raising new concerns about oral hygiene and the potential spread of infections.

Viruses are incredibly resilient and can be found almost everywhere. A new study has revealed that hundreds of viruses inhabit toothbrushes and shower heads, many of which are even unknown to science. However, these are special viruses that target bacteria.

According to Phys, researchers from the United States examined samples from 92 showerheads and 36 toothbrushes. They discovered over 600 bacteriophages, which infect bacteria rather than humans. The scientists utilized DNA sequencing to investigate the viruses present in the samples. They were astonished by the biodiversity—no two samples were alike.

The majority of the viruses, which are harmless to humans, originate from toothbrushes, and many of them had not been previously documented. This project began as a curiosity, an exploration of the microorganisms living in close proximity to humans. They chose an environment with water, which is preferred by microbes. However, the discovery holds scientific significance, as bacteriophages could be employed to purify water from pathogens or to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Mycobacteriophages infect mycobacteria, a pathogenic type causing diseases such as leprosy, tuberculosis, and chronic lung infections.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported on two marine animals that became one entity after an injury. They even merged their digestive systems to share food.