http://www.techtimes.com/articles/5925/20140422/new-meaning-filthy-rich-scientists-find-surprising-number-microbes.htm
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| Our currency is a hotbed for the exchange of hundreds of different kinds of bacteria. |
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
New Meaning To "Filthy Rich"
We already know that microbes inhabit everything around us. From our food, to the books we read, and even in our own bodies, microbes are literally everywhere. We also know they can inhabit cash. But how many microbes live on cash? As part of an experiment, NYU researchers analyzed the genetic material on $1 bills and have identified about 3,000 types of bacteria in all of them! The number discovered is many times higher than the previous number originally found, where samples were studied under microscopes. Among the more abundant species researchers discovered was on that causes common skin problems in people, specifically acne. Several others were linked to health issues such as food poisoning, gastric ulcers, pneumonia, and staph infections. Some also carried genes responsible for antibiotic resistance. This is very interesting to know that microbes can grow on money, and it is also concerning the types of diseases one can contract because of the money they handle. The next time you take money from someone, think again, and take precautions to taking it. As for carrying money, always try to sanitize your hands after handling cash, and also, make sure to not carry too much, as microbes can start festering and start growing inside your wallet, and eventually into your pocket and all over your pants. The government, in the mean time, is trying to find a way to make paper money safe and resistance to bacteria when it is printed. This was a really interesting article to read and also raises a lot of concerns about hygiene and how one can help stay clean. The author really raises the issue of foreign banknotes being unsanitary, and that transmission of disease is high some countries because of microbes on money.
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Microbes on money is something I find really interesting and a bit scary. Its interesting because research on this topic can lead to the newer currency that are more "microbe safe." On the other hand, its a little scary to know that there could be over 3000 bacterial species on dollar bills at any time! Something I was wondering about when I began reading your post was if different currencies carry a different amount microbes being that they are made with different materials but you later confirmed that foreign currencies do carry different amounts of bacteria. A question I have is how countries rank in terms of volume of microbes on currency.
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