Monday, 31 December 2012

Before You Pierce That Belly Button

By Meagan Morris
 And now for your daily dose of gross: Researchers recently discovered that your belly button contains more than 2,000 different species of bacteria.

During the study, researchers asked participants to swab the inside of their belly buttons. Once analyzed, scientist discovered some new types of bacteria, along with others not previously found in humans.

Amazingly, the bacteria vary from person to person. Scientists aren't surprised, though—belly buttons are dark and typically damp since it's so hard to dry them out after a shower.

There is one thing doctors are worried about when it comes to belly buttons: Piercings.

"The current fad of women piercing their [belly buttons] has led to many case reports of infections,” Dr. Gregory Poland, infectious disease expert at the Mayo Clinic, said in a recent interview.

"And with today’s multiple drug-resistant bacteria, it can lead to disasters."

An infected stomach? No thanks. Good thing we've been over that trend for a while now.



Culled from http://www.cosmopolitan.com

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