Feed the Good, Fight the Bad
Bacteria play a central role in our lives, shaping much of the world around us, as well as the world within us.
We’ve long regarded bacteria as something to be feared – agents of illness and death – but, increasingly, it’s understood that many bacteria are, in fact, harmless and even beneficial.
Bacteria in our gut, for example, help us produce vitamins, such as folic acid, while others help us to absorb important metals, such as calcium, from our food.
In a fascinating new book, Adam Hart, a biologist, broadcaster and professor of science communication at the University of Gloucestershire, helps to untangle the good from the bad – with sometimes surprising revelations…
Does anyone wash their hands properly?
Think about washing your hands: four to five seconds feels about right. But while few studies examine the health impact of different durations, the balance of the evidence suggests longer is better, with 15 to 30 seconds a sensible time.
Drying is vital, as bacteria like moist surfaces and are more easily transferred to and from wet hands. While there’s contradictory evidence about different methods, the conclusion is that drying with paper towels is the best means of removing bacteria (the friction of rubbing against the skin aids the process).
Overall, it’s fair to say that, at best, only one in 20 people you meet has washed their hands in anything like an effective way. And, arguably, in terms of effective bacterial removal, no one has washed their hands!
Leave a Reply