Meet the Official New Jersey State Microbe, and Why We Have One

A microorganism called Streptomyces griseus has been named New Jersey's state microbe.

Streptomyces griseus, discovered in Garden State soil in the early 1900's, was instrumental in the treatment of tuberculosis. In the 1940, scientists at Rutgers University discovered the microbe's antibiotic potential, which led cases of TB to decrease dramatically.

N.J. Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill last week officially branding Streptomyces griseus our state microbe.

According to Wikipedia, U.S. states have state microbes as a way of honoring science. Oregon was the first state to adopt an official microbe in 2013.

SOURCES: WHYY.org via Associated Press; Wikipedia