logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2023
3m 46s

Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodi...

BABABAM
About this episode

Our bodies are covered in billions of bacteria, and while some are good for our skin barrier, others can be troublemakers, contributing to the development of skin diseases. In September 2023, American researchers from George Washington University published a study in Frontiers in Microbiology. It found that our skin hosts its own microbiota, much like our intestines.

This microbiota is a mix of millions of viruses, bacteria, and tiny fungi. Interestingly, they noted that the composition of the skin microbiota changes based on whether the skin is dry, moist, or oily. Over four years of studying the skin of 129 Americans, they pinpointed two areas with a high concentration of harmful bacteria.

Are we talking about the belly button and armpits? What kind of skin issues can these bacteria cause? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here:

What causes tocophobia, the fear of pregnancy and childbirth?

Is it a good idea to sleep with my pet?

How did flat Earth conspiracy theory start?

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

In partnership with upday UK.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Yesterday
Has the climate breakdown really begun?
On September 6th, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres released a 96-word statement in which he referred to “climate breakdown” having begun. It was in response to a report from the World Meteorological Organization, which highlighted the impact of record-breaking heatwaves acro ... Show More
4m 59s
Yesterday
How can you spot AI-generated text?
For most 18-24 year olds, generative AI is already part of daily life. Research, emails, translations, summaries - AI is everywhere. Its possibilities feel endless, limited only by our imagination. But with that comes a growing skepticism, especially in schools and workplaces: “W ... Show More
4m 33s
Yesterday
Can exercise snacking help me beat a busy schedule to stay fit?
It's back to school! DYRK is dedicating a special week to sport. Because moving and doing regular physical activity is important for our physical and mental health! Listen again to our episodes about sport! It's well known that we should all be doing half an hour of moderate phys ... Show More
5m 14s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2019
Qu'est-ce que la microbiologie orale ?
Cet épisode vous est proposé en partenariat avec Zendium. La microbiologie orale, c'est l'étude des micro-organismes et des bactéries présentes dans notre bouche. Car oui, notre bouche comme notre intestin abrite de nombreuses bactéries essentielles. Une mauvaise hygiène bucco-de ... Show More
4m 13s
Apr 2023
What's living inside my gut?
Inside our gut lives an entire ecosystem of bacteria and microbes, called the microbiome. In fact, the human body contains trillions of microorganisms, which outnumber our cells by ten to one. This means that technically we are more microbe than human. But not only do these micro ... Show More
32m 47s
Aug 2023
Skin aging and acne: What you should do
As a listener to this show, you’ve probably heard of the gut microbiome. But did you know that your skin has its own microbiome? Recent evidence suggests that these microbiomes are vital for our skin health. So, what should we do? Which foods make an impact? And if we want our sk ... Show More
1h 1m
Aug 2021
Why is human skin so rubbish?
If you’ve ever fallen over and grazed your skin, maybe you wished it were made of stronger stuff. The tough hide of a rhinoceros or the protective armour of a stag beetle would do a better job. It’s a thought that’s been bothering CrowdScience listener Paul, who points out that o ... Show More
34m 28s
Oct 2023
Comment la pollution agit-elle sur notre santé mentale ?
En février 2023, une étude publiée dans le Journal of the American Medical Association menée sur 10 ans rend compte du lien entre pollution atmosphérique et troubles psychologiques. Au-delà des conséquences physiques, il serait donc important de prendre en compte l'aspect psychol ... Show More
4m 22s
Jun 2011
Passengers in a Bacterial Body
The good side of microbes goes under the microscope this week as we explore how the 100 trillion bacteria that thrive on us and in us, and even outnumber our own cells ten times over, work with the body to maintain good health. We also hear from the Nobel prizewinner who's turnin ... Show More
1h 2m
Nov 2022
How your gut affects your mental health
In a lab in Ireland, a group of scientists stand around a stainless steel table. One of them is holding a device, not unlike a small turkey baster. His free hand plunges into a box on the table and retrieves a mouse. Using his device, he administers the brown solution within…rect ... Show More
41m 3s
Apr 2021
Le microbiote, notre meilleur allié santé
Des bactéries qui nous veulent du bien. C'est le principe qui régit les microbiotes, ces petits mondes remplis de milliards de micro-organismes qu'hébergent notre peau, nos organes génitaux, mais aussi et surtout nos intestins. En plus d'évoluer en symbiose avec l'organisme hôte, ... Show More
19m 45s
Mar 2007
Microbiology
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history of microbiology. We have more microbes in our bodies than we have human cells. We fear them as the cause of disease, yet are reliant on them for processes as diverse as water purification, pharmaceuticals, bread-making and brewing. In t ... Show More
41m 54s