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Autoclave

/ˈɔː.təʊ.kleɪv/noun / verb
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An autoclave is a pressurized device that uses steam to sterilize equipment by eliminating bacteria, viruses, and spores at high temperatures. It's a cornerstone of modern hygiene in healthcare and labs, where it ensures safety by mimicking the intense conditions of volcanic vents, and in industrial applications, it's adapted for tasks like vulcanizing rubber or testing materials under extreme pressure.

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Autoclaves were instrumental in early space exploration; for instance, NASA's Viking missions in the 1970s used them to sterilize landers, preventing Earth microbes from contaminating Mars and potentially altering search-for-life results. This precaution has become standard, with over 50 planetary missions relying on autoclave technology to maintain scientific integrity.

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