Scientists Bag Small Game In Bathroom Germ Safari .

Turns out Howard Hughes was right. The world is a very germy place, especially public restrooms. The reclusive billionaire, who had the world's most notorious case of so-called germophobia, would go to just about any length to avoid contamination. He wore tissue boxes on his feet. He burned his clothing if someone near him got sick. He wrote careful instructions to his staff on how to open a can of peaches without contaminating them. And now a study funded in part by his legacy foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, provides what may be one of the most thorough assessments so far of the germs that lurk in public restrooms. Researchers swabbed surfaces in a dozen public johns on the University of Colorado campus in Boulder. They came up with 19 different bacterial phyla, or types. Some came from soil tracked in on people's shoes. Some of those germs ended up on flush handles, probably because some cautious people used their feet to push down on the handles. But the source of the vast majority of the bacteria was human skin. Ugg Boots Sale Now, it's hardly a surprise that restrooms are full of germs. But this study, which appears in the online journal PLoS-ONE (the acronym stands for Public Library of Science), adds two types of granularity to the "biogeography" of public restrooms, as the scientists term it. First, previous studies relied on the ability of researchers to culture, or grow bacteria from collected samples. And most microorganisms are not easily cultivated. So the new study, which uses so-called bar-coding of a gene common to viritually all bacteria, gives a more complete picture of the highly diverse types of bacteria lurking in these common spaces. Second, by tracking the types of bacteria found on different surfaces, the study gives a more complete — and disturbing — picture of how germs spread all over the place. A restroom user can hardly avoid contacting contaminated surfaces. As study authors put it, bacterial types associated with human skin, such as staph and strep bacteria, "were abundant on all surfaces." The surfaces sampled included door handles, stall handles, toilet seats, flush handles, faucets, soap dispensers and the floor around the sink. Restroom bacteria cluster in three different communities, the researchers say: those on toilet surfaces, those on the floor and those on door handles and hand-washing appliances. Those around the toilet were types that live in the human gut, "suggesting fecal contamination of these surfaces...either via direct contact (with feces or unclean hands), or indirectly as a toilet is flushed and water splashes or is aerosolized." Yes, I know, very unappealing. But I thought you should know. Interestingly, at least for some people, there was a somewhat different mix of bacteria in women's restrooms compared to men's. Some were germs that prefer female genital tracts. The bottom line — er, grand conclusion — is that "routine use of toilets results in the dispersal of urine- and fecal-associated bacteria throughout the restroom." So wash your hands thoroughly, for Pete's sake! And when you do, try to avoid recontaminating them as you leave. Addendum: It's possible these particular University of Colorado restrooms were dirtier than most. "Previous studies have documented that college students...are not always the most diligent of hand-washers," the study notes. But you never know.

Noel’s ‘truth’

During the Nov. 14 meeting of the Utah Legislature’s water task force, Rep. Michael Noel, R-Kanab, said that he thinks that environmental organizations that oppose the proposed Lake Powell pipeline in Utah are “not constrained by the truth.” Early this year, while pushing a bill of his that would raise the sales tax on food, Noel asserted that such an action is good for the state because revenues generated by the Utah sales tax on food are very stable, thereby repeating an unsubstantiated claim that those who would like to raise the food sales tax have been repeating for years UGG Boots The truth is that the Utah Tax Commission did not begin collecting sufficient information to verify the relative stability of the sales tax on food until Utah fiscal year 2008, so there is not enough data to justify that claim. Interestingly, between FY 2008 and FY 2009, as the recession gathered strength, taxable sales of food fell 13 percent while sales of all other taxable items fell only 7 percent. Perhaps Noel should think twice before casting the first stone. When differences of opinion arise, the other person’s ideas should not be labeled lies.

The A Lot Of Positive Aspects Of UGG Shoes

Many celebrities have already been discussing the virtues of UGG shoes. These shoes and boots were very first produced in Australia about 30 years ago but their popularity has grown around the world as people learn how comfortable they may be. UGG Boots Here's an appear at some of the designs of Ugg shoes that you just could be interested in.The Women's Bettey is a casual shoe inspired by the surfing lifestyle that's suitable for many different occasions and environments. This comfortable shoe is made of smooth suede and oiled leather and has UGGs signature sheepskin lining. This comfortable shoe is great for both walking and wearing around the house. Like many UGG shoes, this shoe has the Poron foot bed, which is a thick foam that offers great support and protection for your feet. The Bettey, which is available in espresso, gravy, black leather and toast, is a casual women's shoe that your feet will quickly learn to love. In addition to its line for men and women, UGG has come up with designs for children footwear that continues on the brand's quality and style, but puts them in smaller sizes. UGG Bailey Button Boots The Kid's Rylan, for example, is an original UGG creation, a combination slipper-sneaker that's great for kids who are frequently running in and out of the house. The vulcanized rubber sole is that of a sneaker, while the sheepskin lining makes them ideal for indoor slippers. If you have an active kid in your life, the Rylan would be a good choice. This is because the is a sturdy shoe that will give a lot of protection to your child's feet.Currently, UGG shoes are very well liked by celebrities. There's no denying that this has an impact on the general public. Aside from the fact that Oprah has put UGG shoes on her favorite things list for numerous years, Hollywood celebrities such as Ann Hathaway, Kirsten Dunst, Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton have been known to wear UGG footwear. Even if you are not a fan of the named people, whenever celebrities start wearing something, average people will want to wear the same things. So, while UGG shoes Argyle Knit UGG Boots were always considered practical and comfortable, today they also have glamour attached to them. Once you experience the quality and workmanship of UGG shoes, you'll understand why so many people love this brand. The popular styles discussed above can be found at either their stores or from authorized online sellers. You'll find that wearing UGG shoes is a real luxury for your feet, no matter where you have to walk.