Wee Baby Stuff

In this day of Purell stations at every checkout, desk and entryway, it might come as a surprise to find out that a little dirt can be good for the kiddos. Scientists say that it's a matter of 'good' bacteria versus 'bad'. The good stuff, like something called Staphylococci actually blocks 'a vital step in a cascade of events that [leads] to inflammation.' Basically it puts the brakes on 'overactive immune responses' that make bruises and cuts swell making them heal more slowly. An interesting outcome of these good versus bad bacteria findings, is that it has helped experts find a link to excessive cleanliness in early childhood and the boom in allergies in recent years. Of course the trick is determining the good from the bad. To help understand the good/bad thing, check out this article on BBC News.

Pig Pen by Charles M. Schulz.

• dirt
• germs
• cleanliness