Armpits and Body Odors
Human armpits provide a perfect home for many types of skin microbes, as the sweat glands located there offer them an ideal source of food. In the process of breaking down their dinner, these microbes produce substances called “metabolites” that give off the pungent odor that we know as stinky armpits.
Primate Microbe Research
Though all primates host a variety of bacteria and viruses, research suggests that the organisms found in humans are much less diverse than those found in monkeys. This is probably because humans use hygienic products such as soaps and deodorants that change the makeup of their microbiomes.
Armpit Study
Following a study conducted at the museum, scientists found that deodorant users had both the lowest diversity and also the lowest density of microbes in their armpits. In contrast, antiperspirant users had the highest diversity of organisms while people who used no products at all had the highest density.
Meet the Scientists
Research into the types of microbes found in our armpits was conducted under the careful guidance of Dr. Julie Horvath at the Genomics and Microbiology Research Lab. Julie’s work looks at how microscopic organisms impact the health and well-being of both humans and non-human primates.
For further information about Julie visit her staff page at https://naturalsciences.org/staff/julie-horvath.
Tickle Test
In order to collect study samples, scientists at the museum used cotton swabs to transfer organisms from the armpits of test subjects to petri dishes filled with food. When left alone to develop, many colonies of microbes grew large enough that they could be seen and studied with a microscope.
Choices Change Our Microbes
Every day we make choices about what to wear, what to eat, and what to do. But we also make choices that impact our microbiome! Wearing deodorant or antiperspirant changes the organisms in our armpits, while encountering different microbes when you are young can lower your risk for certain allergies.
EXHIBITION PHOTOS
What Can I See and Do?
This exhibit contains a variety of graphic panels, touchable items, and colorful photographs that help to illustrate the hidden secrets of our armpits. Through engaging with this material, visitors are encouraged to think critically about the relationship between their own health and the health of their microbes.
In addition to these objects, the exhibit also includes a set of interactive displays that reveal the fun side of microbes. These include a “sniff test” of various scents, a “microbe decoder” for identifying organisms, and a “celebrity swabs” section that displays the bacteria found on some famous local personalities!
Traveling Exhibition
If you are interested in bringing this traveling exhibit to your own museum or institution, please contact Matt Skeen, matt.skeen@naturalsciences.org.