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War of the P Acnes

While "War of the Worlds" sets a new sales record for Paramount, this Hollywood blockbuster sends a healing message as old as time itself- bacteria are lifesavers. Even though most microorganisms are invisible to the human eye, life, as we know it would be utterly impossible without ubiquitous bacteria.

We can all enjoy the blessings of photosynthesis, digestion and the formation of natural gases thanks to the innate power of bacteria to break down substances. Ironically, much of the anti-acne industry is built around destroying the widely misunderstood yet biologically necessary bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, or p acne bacteria.





In short, using antibiotics on bacteria is a battle amongst intelligent parties involving the bacteria, the body and the human mind. If we fail to appreciate the bacteria as bodily maintenance workers and continue dousing them with antibiotics or antibacterial soaps the bacteria just become more resistant to our antidotes. The bacteria are practiced at playing dead as a tactic for survival.


It's true that bacteria have managed to wipe out entire populations of people. Now, Hollywood comforts us with knowing that even aliens will fall prey to the ever-plotting or is it ever-knowing bacteria. I'll just leave you with this thought: Is that anti-bacterial soap making p acnes smarter?


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