William Atkins
Friday, 07 November 2008 20:10
Science -
Health
Page 2 of 3
If the person was right-handed, certain bacteria showed up more on that palm than the left palm. Likewise, the same thing occurred if the person was left handed.
Only 17% of the species were found on both the right and left palms of the students.
All of the students carried these three common species of bacteria:
Staphylococcus,
Lactobacillus, and
Streptococcus. However, 45% of the bacterial species were considered rare by the researchers.
With respect to female and male palms, the researchers discovered about 50% more bacterial species on women’s hands. On average, the female palm had about 150 different species of bacteria on it.
After completing this phase of the study, the researchers studied eight people after they washed their hands.
They found that bacteria were still present on the palms, even after handwashing. Others re-appeared soon afterwards.
Men still contained less bacteria on their hands, then women, after handwashing.
What are the explanations for these excess amounts of bacteria on human palms? Please read on.
