Also, a revolting sack of churning goo and miscellaneous stench. Yes, even people with so-called perfect bodies are susceptible to all the various gross forms of body odor that plague us regular folk.
But what is it that makes us all so, well, stinky? The short answer is bacteria: Your body is covered in bacteria, which feeds on everything from your shedding skin cells to the food in your intestines — what you can smell is actually the byproduct of their digestion.
But in that case, why are all the smells so different? Certain biofilms thrive on petroleum oil and can be used to clean up an oil spill. Dr Nijland, who carried out the work at Newcastle University's Dove Marine Laboratory, said the findings would help to further our understanding of how biofilms are formed and how we might be able to manipulate them to our advantage. This latest discovery shows that bacteria are capable of at least four of the five senses; a responsiveness to light -- sight -- contact-dependent gene expression -- touch -- and a response to chemicals and toxins in their environment either through direct contact -- taste -- or through the air -- smell.
Ammonia is one of the simplest sources of nitrogen -- a key nutrient for bacterial growth. Using rival bacteria Bacillus subtilis and B. Project supervisor Professor Grant Burgess, director of the Dove Marine Laboratory, said that understanding the triggers that prompt this sort of response had huge potential. This research provides clues to so far unknown ways of bacterial communication.
Materials provided by Newcastle University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Science News. Sweat itself is virtually odorless to humans. However, the rapid multiplication of bacteria and their breaking down of sweat into acids can cause unpleasant smells.
As a result, people who sweat a lot — such as those with hyperhidrosis — may be more susceptible to developing body odor. Some research suggests that people, and moreso animals, are adept at identifying individuals by these smell profiles. Apocrine glands start to function at puberty and are associated with hair follicles in the underarms and groin. These glands produce a viscous, protein-rich sweat that is initially odorless. However, as bacteria break down the abundance of proteins, they will produce odorant molecules in greater concentrations, causing body odor.
In contrast, eccrine sweat glands predominantly regulate body temperature through perspiration and are not as strongly linked with body odor. Having a large concentration of apocrine glands in the armpits and groin makes these areas susceptible to the rapid development of body odor. Although there is no universal treatment for the causes of body odor, taking the following steps may help control body odor:.
Deodorants and antiperspirants with natural ingredients are available to purchase online. A person may also experience noticeable body odors in areas that are often covered by clothes, such as the feet. A combination of increased humidity and sweat trapped in the fabric can promote bacterial multiplication and activity. This can lead to body odor. To prevent this, a person may wish to pay extra attention to these areas when washing and ensure that they are completely dry before putting on clean clothes.
Wearing natural fibers may also help with the evaporation of sweat and help reduce bacteria buildup. If a person consumes excessive amounts of protein, this may also affect their body odor. These may include:.
Some medical conditions may change how much a person sweats or the odor their body produces. These can be indicators of more serious conditions.
If a person notices any of these changes, they should contact a doctor immediately. For example, an overactive thyroid gland or menopause can make people sweat much more, while liver disease, kidney disease, and diabetes can change the consistency of sweat.
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