You Mite Want To Shower After This

Learning from this podcast episode is the importance of trust and following one's curiosity, even if it leads to unexpected and initially gross topics. The host, Emily, shares a memory of an anniversary episode where her producer, Brent, surprised her with a topic about things that live on our faces. Although skeptical at first, Emily was intrigued and the episode turned out to be a unique and memorable one. This experience illustrates how trusting and following our weird little hearts can lead to new discoveries and appreciation for things we might otherwise overlook. The episode also highlights the strong bond between the host and her producer, who encouraged her to explore unconventional topics and helped shape the show.

We all have microscopic mites living on our skin, which are arachnids related to ticks and spiders, but they are not insects. This might be surprising and even unsettling, but these mites have been a part of our lives and have coexisted with us without causing harm. This episode of Shortwave from NPR celebrates the one-year anniversary by discussing these mites and what they can teach us about our history and their role in our lives. It's essential to keep an open mind and remember that we were living our lives just fine before learning about these mites. Integrative Therapeutics, a sponsor of the podcast, offers clinician-curated supplements to help us unlock our best selves, while Apple Card provides daily cash rewards on purchases.

Scientists have discovered that mites, which are typically found on human skin, are present on 100% of adults. These mites, which are microscopic, have yet to be fully understood, as researchers don't even know for certain what they eat. Despite their prevalence, there is still much to learn about these creatures that live on our skin. It's important to note that the presence of these mites is completely normal and does not indicate any health issues. The mites likely feed on microbes, such as fungi, but this is still a topic of ongoing research. Overall, the discovery of these mites on every adult human highlights the vast array of microscopic life that exists on and within our bodies.

The mites living on our faces, known as Demodex, have a complex life cycle. They reside in our pores during the day due to their sensitivity to light, and at night, they come out to reproduce. These mites can lay large eggs, leading to numerous offspring. Although most people don't experience any harm from these mites, they can provide valuable insights into our ancestry. Since the mites we inherit from our parents typically remain with us throughout our lives, their genetics can reveal historical information about our family origins. This connection between our mites and our ancestry is an intriguing aspect of these microscopic organisms. Despite their role in our lives, they can also bring a touch of humor with their affectionate nickname, "fighting mite love." Overall, understanding the relationship between humans and these mites can lead to fascinating discoveries about ourselves and our history.

We are never truly alone, as there are countless microorganisms, including mites, living in close proximity to us, providing potential benefits such as removing bacteria or fungi and protecting our bodies from infection. Even in difficult times, finding joy in the unexpected, like a humorous science podcast or the presence of these microscopic companions, can help turn our days around. As a listener named Nick shared, the power of accessible science communication and light-hearted humor can make a significant impact on our perspective and motivation. So, whether it's through the company of microbes or the support of a community, remember that you're never alone.

While scientific evidence suggests that talking to plants does not significantly impact their growth, anecdotal evidence and personal belief can contribute to their overall well-being. This was discussed in relation to a house plant named Badoon in an elementary school, which thrived despite the children's conversations with it. The hosts, Maddie Sofia and Emily Quang, expressed their gratitude for the listeners' support over the past year and their commitment to bringing trustworthy science coverage. Additionally, a promotion was made for an episode of The Bid, a podcast by BlackRock, where Larry Fink discusses challenges and solutions related to retirement and the role of global capital markets.