69°
A group of researchers at North Carolina State University is making navel-gazing a scientific endeavor -- and a fun one, at that.
The recently launched Belly Button Biodiversity project was designed to pique peoples' interest in microbiology by way of teaching them about the bacteria and fungi found on skin. While the belly button might be an atypical location for research, it's an unusually rich source of germs and bacteria, says Jim Hulcr, a postdoctoral research associate who is leading the project.
"The belly button is protected, making it a safe haven for normal skin microbes." Additionally, few people wash this area with soap, which Hulcr says, is "great for bacteria." To date they've uncovered Petri dishes-full of Staphylococcus epidermidis, among the most common bacteria found on skin, as well as yellow colonies of Micrococcus luteus and healthy doses of Pseudomonas.
Volunteers are asked to submit information about how often they wash their belly buttons and whether they have an "innie" or an "outie," as well as their age, sex, ethnicity and where they grew up.
Subjects are asked to rotate a sterile cotton swab three times in the navel, and then to place the swab in a vial. Scientists then grow the bacteria and when they're big enough, they're photographed. Participants are then able to view their own navel samples online.
To look at some of the harvested belly button samples, go do the Belly Button Biodiversity project's website.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
