Our mobile phone's bacterial fingerprint

Trillions of bacteria on our phones can tell us where we have been and who we have been with research by scientists has found & women have even stronger connection to their phone than men.

Touching our phones an average of 150 times every day, we are closely connected to them microbiologically, women even more so than men, scientists have found.

SCIENCE

Our mobile phone's bacterial fingerprint

New scientific evidence shows that we share more than an emotional connection to our mobile phones.

Every person has what is called a "personal microbiome" or "personal bacterial fingerprint" which consists of the trillions of tiny microorganisms (bacteria, microbes) which live on our personal possessions as well as the clothes and items we wear, touch or carry regularly.

New research in this area at the University of Oregon in the US shows that the bacteria and microorganisms that are living on our mobile phones can tell a lot about where we have been, our health and even who we are.

Mobile phone users touch their phones an average of 150 times every day. This means that over 80% of our bacterial fingerprint can be found on our phone.

The bacteria on our phone can therefore be used to monitor our exposure to bacteria, for example, if we are a healthcare worker, and also, if viewed over several people, how bacteria spreads through a group of people who have contact with each other. Note that there is no evidence that phones present more of a risk of infection than any other personal possession and most bacteria is harmless.

Phones havw more than just bacteria from the hands. When they are outside they pick up bacteria when they touch surfaces or other people. The researchers say that these outside bacteria are not necessarily integrated into the personal microbiome and further research is needed to determine their effect on health.

The study also found that women are more closely connected to their phone, microbiologically, than men.

The study sequenced the DNA of microorganisms found on the dominant-hand index fingers and thumbs of 17 people as well as their smartphones finding a total of 17,000 different types of bacteria  including those commonly found on the skin, Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium, and mouth Streptococcus.

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27985815

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/24/bacteria-phone_n_5525382.html

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140624093314.htm

http://phys.org/news/2014-06-cell-personal-microbiome.html

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