A team of mathematical experts have said that 1729, which is also known as the Ramanujan-Hardy number, is linked to aspects of string theory and...
Researchers have said that they believe that dirt might protect children from developing allergies and asthma. They found that dust from dairy farms activated an immune response in the lungs of mice that is believed to protect against asthma in the future.
The researchers also analysed a compound made by cells that seems to control this process. The researchers said that children who grow up in farms develop asthma have genetic mutations that impact production of the protective compound. Experts said that the study gives a new platform to study hygiene hypothesis. They believe that the study might lead to new vaccines for children so that they are less likely to suffer from allergies and asthma. They injected small pieces of farm dust bacteria called endotoxins into the noses of mice and found that it activated its immune reaction, in the form of inflammation.
Bart Lambrecht of Ghent University Hospital in Belgium and colleagues write in their report that children who grow up in farms are usually protected from allergy, hay fever, and asthma. They tested dust from dairy farms in Europe that is full of bacteria and fungi. Researchers have been able to find particular germ, fungus or parasite that might explain the hygiene hypothesis.
The study was published in the journal Science.
