An Exploration of 'Germ Porn'

There's finally a name for those who can't turn away from watching the mainstream media's latest segment on how microbes are overtaking the world -- it's called "germ porn" and it's a favorite past-time of writer A.J. Jacobs, the author of a new book, "Drop Dead Healthy: One Man's Humble Quest for Bodily Perfection." For two years, Jacobs says he pursued the quest to be as healthy as humanly possible, which meant he changed every aspect of his physical life, including diet, exercise, and his relationship with microbes.

In a funny essay on Slate.com he relates his meeting with germ expert Dr. Philip Tierno, his exploration of the hygiene hypothesis, and his foray into the world of obsessive handwashing, fears about antimicrobial resistance, and other issues that only an infection preventionist or a microbiologist could love. Check it out HERE.