[danieltillett]

Viruses have nucleic acids which are shredded by the high temperatures used to sterilise items (121C).

Dry heat will inactivate prions, but you need 200C for 4 hours or more which is more than most plastics can handle.

[hodwik]

Thanks. I would mention memes too, but I think 121C would shred their host as well.

Edit: Actually, Carl Sagan wrote his memes in metal (and shot them into the universe) so I take that back.

[danieltillett]

Yes being autoclaved (this is what the process of sterilising with steam at 121C is called) is not the most pleasant way to die.