Bacteria In The Navel – A Treasure Trove Of Microorganisms
The microbacteria in the navel are a defense mechanism against pathogens.
A thorough examination of the human belly button has shown that it is home to an astonishing number of organisms. There are several bacteria in the belly button : including at least 60 different types of fungus, bacteria and yeast.
The study found that there are around 60-70 species of bacteria in the belly button . In total, more than 1400 varieties were discovered across all test persons. Rob Dunn (professor at North Carolina State University) found that there are very large individual differences.
Dunn and his coworkers collected and tested the belly button bacteria from 391 people, taking into account women and men of different ages, different ethnicities, and even different hygienic habits.
The scientists not only examined various bacteria, but also discovered interesting types of fungi and yeast.
The team of scientists used cultivations to research these organisms and tried to determine their DNA sequence. What is certain is that the number of bacteria in the navel varies greatly from person to person.
There is currently no explanation for these large differences, as they do not depend on gender, age, parentage or hygiene. Everything points to other reasons that have yet to be explored. All that is clear so far is that there is a group of very few bacteria that we all have in common.
According to Dunn, it’s possible that similar species can be found in most of us. However, the rarer species have a lot to do with our personal history.
Bacteria in the belly button as a defense system
Scientists wanted to research the belly button, as it is often home to a large number of organisms that – if we ignore detergents, lotions, ultraviolet light and other external influences – have not changed.
Many are now probably thinking about navel hygiene. But Dunn thinks that these organisms are also found on our forearms, hands and even on the entire surface of our skin and that they have an extremely important function.
It is a first defense against pathogens that nestle in our body. These can be compared to a military group that is on the first front line and fights the newcomers. Without these microbes, there would be an increased risk of deadly skin infections.
Our behavior is influenced
Professor Elizabeth Archie from Notre Dame University and her colleague Kevin Theis have researched the colonization of microorganisms in humans and animals. They discovered that bacteria in the belly button influence our behavior.
Steroids and other natural chemicals found in our armpits are a major part of our bacterial metabolism and can trigger any form of odor that can affect how we behave towards others.
For example, corynebacteria metabolize testosterone so that a urine-like odor, namely musk, is created. Others metabolize sebum and sweat, creating an onion-like odor.
The two researchers assume that the bacteria produce a very strong odor. In her opinion, the smell of the armpits serves as a distinguishing feature. These characteristics, in turn, help us differentiate between individuals.
For example, mothers can easily recognize their children by the smell of their armpits.
As far as microorganisms and our behavior towards others are concerned, however, there is still a lot to discover and research.
