Have you ever heard the saying, “Put your money where your mouth is?” Well, it turns out that might not be the best idea! Hi everyone, Tara here, and I’ve got some surprising news about the money we use every day. You might have seen a video about British banknotes having some unusual stuff on them, but it turns out American dollars might be even more concerning.
A team of researchers from New York University did a big study on $1 bills in Manhattan. They found something shocking: 3,000 different types of bacteria on these bills! That’s way more than any study before. The most common bacteria they found are linked to skin problems. So, if you weren’t already washing your hands after handling money, you might want to start now!
But wait, there’s more! The researchers also found genes related to infections and other health issues. They even found tiny amounts of anthrax, a bacterium usually found in soil. While it’s not harmful in such small amounts, it’s still a bit unsettling to know it’s there.
Here’s something even more surprising: less than half of the DNA on the bills was human. They found DNA from animals like horses, dogs, and even a bit from a white rhino! Who would have thought you’d find that in Manhattan?
It’s not too surprising that money is dirty since it’s one of the most exchanged items in the world. But American money is especially good at picking up bacteria because it’s made from cotton-based paper. This material is more absorbent than the plastic polymer notes used in countries like India and Canada. It also means our money doesn’t last as long; a $1 bill only lasts about 21 months. Because of this, the Federal Reserve spends nearly a billion dollars each year printing new money.
What do you think? Should the U.S. switch to polymer-based currency like other countries? It might help keep our money cleaner and maybe even help our skin! Feel free to share your thoughts.
If you’re into reading, why not try audiobooks? They’re completely germ-free! Audible.com offers over 100,000 titles in every genre you can think of. You can download them to your device and listen anytime, anywhere. Plus, if you sign up at audiblepodcast.com/dnews, you get a free audiobook download. I recommend “The Sirens of Titan”—it’s one of my favorites. You won’t be disappointed!
And if you want more cool episodes like this, make sure to subscribe to DNews!
Conduct a fun experiment by swabbing different denominations of money and growing the bacteria in petri dishes. Observe the results and discuss the types of bacteria found. This will help you understand the diversity of microbes that can be present on money.
Engage in a classroom debate on whether the U.S. should switch to polymer-based currency. Research the pros and cons of each type of currency and present your arguments. This will help you develop critical thinking and public speaking skills.
Explore the concept of DNA by identifying different sources of DNA found on money. Create a chart showing the various animals and humans that might have contributed to the DNA. This activity will enhance your understanding of genetics and forensic science.
Create a timeline or infographic that illustrates the lifecycle of a $1 bill, from production to destruction. Include information on how money circulates and the impact of its short lifespan. This will give you insights into economic and environmental considerations.
Design a campaign to promote handwashing after handling money. Create posters, social media posts, or a short video to raise awareness about the importance of hygiene. This activity will help you apply health knowledge creatively and effectively.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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You know that old saying, “Put your money where your mouth is?” It turns out that might not be such a great idea! I was just as surprised as you. Hey everyone, Tara here for DNews, and it turns out, everything is a bit concerning. You may have seen Anthony’s video a while back discussing some unusual findings on British banknotes, but it turns out American dollars may be even worse.
A team of researchers at NYU conducted the first comprehensive DNA study on $1 bills in Manhattan and found 3,000 different types of bacteria, which is significantly more than any previous study. The most common bacteria they discovered is known to be associated with skin issues. If that doesn’t convince you to wash your hands after handling money, wait until you hear this: in addition to various microbes, researchers also found genes linked to infections and other health concerns. They even found trace amounts of anthrax, which is a common bacterium found in soil but isn’t harmful in such small amounts. Still, it’s unsettling.
Even more surprising is that less than half of the DNA they found was actually human. They discovered DNA from various animals, including horses and dogs, and even a snippet of white rhino DNA. It’s quite unexpected to find that in Manhattan!
Most of this shouldn’t be too shocking, considering money is one of the most frequently exchanged items globally. However, American money is particularly susceptible to bacteria because it’s printed on cotton-based paper, which is more absorbent than the plastic polymer notes used in countries like India and Canada. This also makes our money less durable; the average lifespan of a $1 bill is only 21 months. Because of this, the Federal Reserve spends nearly a billion dollars each year just on printing new money.
What do you think? Should America consider switching to a polymer-based currency? Imagine how great our skin could look! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
And if you enjoy reading, why not take a moment to check out Audible? Audible.com is the leading provider of downloadable digital audiobooks, which means they are completely germ-free. Choose from over 100,000 titles in every genre imaginable, then download them to your device and listen anytime, anywhere. Even better, when you sign up at audiblepodcast.com/dnews, you’ll receive a free audiobook download of your choice. If you’re looking for something new, I highly recommend “The Sirens of Titan”—one of my favorite books of all time. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Again, the link for your free audiobook is audiblepodcast.com/dnews, and as always, if you want to see more episodes of DNews, be sure to subscribe here.
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Let me know if you need any further modifications!
Money – A medium of exchange that can be used to facilitate the trade of goods and services – In scientific research, funding or money is crucial for conducting experiments and purchasing necessary equipment.
Bacteria – Microscopic single-celled organisms that can be found in various environments, some of which can cause diseases – Scientists study bacteria to understand how they can both benefit and harm human health.
Health – The state of being free from illness or injury, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being – Maintaining good health is essential for a productive life and can be achieved through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
DNA – Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms – Researchers use DNA analysis to study genetic disorders and develop new medical treatments.
Infections – The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body – Vaccines are developed to prevent infections by boosting the immune system’s response to specific pathogens.
Germs – Microorganisms, especially those that can cause disease – Washing hands regularly is an effective way to reduce the spread of germs and prevent illness.
Polymer – A large molecule composed of many repeated subunits, used in various applications including plastics and biological systems – Scientists create synthetic polymers to develop new materials with unique properties for medical devices.
Currency – A system of money in general use in a particular country – In the context of global health, currency exchange rates can affect the cost of importing medical supplies.
Researchers – Individuals who conduct systematic investigations to establish facts or principles or to collect information on a subject – Researchers are working tirelessly to find a cure for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Absorbent – Having the ability to soak up liquids easily – Scientists design absorbent materials for use in medical bandages to effectively manage wound exudate.
