CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO UNHAPPINESS

Scientists in the U.K. are studying the happiness-producing properties of dirt after discovering that a bacteria found in soil seems to improve the moods of lung cancer patients. Researchers also found that exposure to the bacteria Mycobacterium vaccae raised the levels of serotonin in the brains of mice. "These studies help us understand how the body communicates with the brain and why a healthy immune system is important for maintaining mental health,” said lead researcher Dr Chris Lowry. "They also leave us wondering if we shouldn't all spend more time playing in the dirt." (BBC)