Chimpanzees have cleaner beds than humans
- 6 years ago
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — Chimpanzees maintain cleaner beds compared to humans because they in essence change their sheets every night, according to a new study.
Researchers from North Carolina State University published their findings in the Royal Society Open Science journal on Tuesday.
Scientists swabbed chimpanzee nests in the Issa Valley in Tanzania and discovered only 3.5 percent of the bacteria found originated from the chimps' own skin, saliva or feces, according to National Geographic.
According to a previous North Carolina study, human beds in comparison had bacteria levels around 35 percent.
The team also found that chimpanzee nests had few ticks and fleas.
One explanation for the difference in levels of bacteria, is that chimps build a new nest each night, while humans sleep typically sleep in the same room.
Researchers from North Carolina State University published their findings in the Royal Society Open Science journal on Tuesday.
Scientists swabbed chimpanzee nests in the Issa Valley in Tanzania and discovered only 3.5 percent of the bacteria found originated from the chimps' own skin, saliva or feces, according to National Geographic.
According to a previous North Carolina study, human beds in comparison had bacteria levels around 35 percent.
The team also found that chimpanzee nests had few ticks and fleas.
One explanation for the difference in levels of bacteria, is that chimps build a new nest each night, while humans sleep typically sleep in the same room.