The assured coming-of-age film “Turtles All the Way Down,” based on John Green’s blockbuster young-adult novel of the same name, takes its title from an apocryphal story: An older woman at a science lecture posits that the Earth rests on the shell of a tortoise, which in turn sits on the back of a larger … Read more
New research is sounding the alarm about the cleanliness of hospital bathrooms. Several strains of drug-resistant bacteria and fungi were discovered on the floors, ceilings, door handles, and toilet surfaces in three major hospitals in Scotland, according to a study presented at a conference this week for clinical microbiology and infectious diseases specialists. Gender-neutral toilets … Read more
What’s on the menu? Germs, according to experts. Harmful bacteria could be lurking in your kitchen and your dinner could come with a side of health risks if you’re not careful. Here’s a list of the top five dirtiest places in your kitchen and a little about how to keep them cleaner. Refrigerator meat and … Read more
Time to drop the five-second rule — it could be making you sick. A microbiologist managed to gross out TikTok with the foul findings of a recent test conducted at his local movie theater — to see what happens when you drop popcorn on the floor. Tim Call, 32, is known on the popular social … Read more
Heading into a public bathroom is sometimes like a game of Russian Roulette. You know at least one stall will be nasty, but you’re hopeful it isn’t your turn to walk in and find it. Whether you decide to hold a squat or just flat-out refuse to use one, a viral video shows people the cleanest and safest way to … Read more
The invisible spray is never OK. Flushing the toilet with the lid down does not stop the spread of small germs, a study published Thursday in the American Journal of Infection Control found. Researchers discovered microscopic viral particles all over the restroom when a person flushes the toilet — whether the lid is up or … Read more
Do you need to take your “outside clothes” off as soon as you get home? Some people are very particular about their cleanliness and insist on differentiating between their “inside clothes” and their “outside clothes” — even going so far as to avoid sitting down until they’ve made the switch. Experts say clothes worn out … Read more
In this post-pandemic world, many have become hyperaware of illness around them — giving rise to stigma at even the slightest sign of a cold. Now, a simple cough, sniffle or sneeze can reduce someone to social outcast status — aka “sick shaming” — as those around them fear a fresh case of COVID-19. To … Read more
Americans dedicate nearly four hours per week just to cleaning, according to new research. The survey of 2,000 Americans revealed that nearly half (49%) report that their cleaning habits were greatly affected by the pandemic. Respondents reported that during the pandemic, they would spend five hours cleaning per week, but they’ve managed to cut that … Read more
If cleanliness is next to godliness, then maybe we should start worshipping Gen Z. A recent survey of more than 1,000 college-age youth reported that 45% of them are “hyperconscious of germs.” And while 47% said that they wash their hands five to 10 times a day, a whopping 32% — nearly a third — … Read more
You may be on vacation, but germs aren’t. Hotel rooms should appear pristine on arrival — but dangerous bacteria continue to lurk despite spotlessness, experts warn. Martin Seeley of MattressNextDay.com revealed some of the places bacteria and dust mites love to congregate. “While this information may be unsettling, it’s essential to be aware of these … Read more
You’ll bristle at this bad news. The disgusting truth is that your toothbrush could be harboring mold and bacteria, according to Dr. Ellie Phillips, a dentist based in Austin, Texas. “Many people are fully aware now how dangerous mold can be, and you may be working to get rid of mold in your house and … Read more
It’s time to scrub this step from your shower routine. New York dermatologists are sharing the eye-opening reason why people should avoid using loofahs when bathing. “Loofahs are not necessary to use in the shower and may come with associated risks [like] microtraumas on the skin and, if not properly cared for or replaced, can … Read more
Grandma knows best. A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology found that certain places on the body are “hot spots” for germs and unhealthy bacteria. Scientists at George Washington University in Washington, DC, tested what they dubbed as “the grandma hypothesis” — named for grandma’s warnings to clean behind your ears and … Read more
This summer’s festival lineup is sick — but not in the way you want it to be. A new study by UK cleaning brand Method has over a fifth of 18- to 24-year-olds confessing they don’t wash their hands at festivals. The survey of 1,500 Brits revealed a staggering 26% of them only wash their hands … Read more
This might make you see things differently. Rubbing your eyes because of drowsiness, stress or even allergies could have detrimental effects, UK optometrist Nimmi Mistry warns. The habit — often “an automatic response to tired, irritated eyes” — could result in a “whole host of issues,” she told the Mirror in an interview this week. … Read more
What looks clean on the surface may have some dirty little secrets. An eye-opening TikTok has revealed the hidden bacteria covering everyday objects, with microbes invisible to the naked eye lurking on money, water fountains and even toilet seats. Researcher Amani Abdlrasul works as a medical laboratory scientist in Tampa, Florida, and often shares gross knowledge with her … Read more
We’re getting freaky – about cleaning. Don’t let your home become a “bacterial war zone,” cleaning enthusiast Angela Donal warns. The 41-year-old swears by a few simple hacks that keep her home in tip-top shape and ward off bacteria. Her best home-kept secret is to clean her house “every single day” and conduct a thorough deep … Read more
Your pet might be bringing more germs into your house than you think. People and their pets may be able to transmit drug-resistant “superbugs” to each other, new research suggests. The research — which will be presented at this year’s European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) in Copenhagen, Denmark on April 15 … Read more
Think your house is clean? Think again. Even seemingly the most spick-and-span of homes are covered in gems — some of which could lead to lasting health issues, according to a gut health expert on TikTok. Clinician Jordan Haworth revealed the 10 household items that have the most bacteria — things that 70% of people … Read more