According to a study published in MSystems , an open access journal of the American Society for Microbiology, a group of researchers from the University of Waterloo in Ontario (Canada) found that each person in a marital relationship significantly influences the microbial communities of the skin of your partner. And that the area of the body where more bacteria are shared is that of the feet .
Microbiome change
Using microbial data, various computer algorithms were able to match the lovers with 86% accuracy. The experts analyzed a total of 340 skin samples from 10 heterosexual couples currently living in the same house .
Samples were collected from 17 sites throughout the body, including the navel, armpits, and nostrils. But why does the greatest microbiome exchange occur in the feet? It is not known, although it is assumed that it is because the couples walk on the same surfaces barefoot, according to Josh Neufeld , leader of the work:
You shower and walk barefoot on the same floor, and this process probably serves as an effective form of microbial exchange with your partner, and with your home as well.