The Appendix...no longer a useless organ.

[Stinger]

Scientists believe they have found the purpose for the appendix.
"It produces and protects good germs for your gut."

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/10/05/appendix.purpose.ap/index.html

[swiss miss]

i guess i could be the oddthought science correspondent!

not sure about this work - for one is published in the Journal of Theoretical Biology (i always find facts, for example, to be more convincing that theories :P). This journal has an impact factor of 2.something - which really isnt very good at all and the paper lacks a lot of depth and really is theory without much data to back up that theory, which i dont think is particularly novel anyway. They cite a lot of work but dont really have much of their own to go with - one figure and a table that do not convincingly set out their conclusion, in my opinion.

back to the lab and get me some more data :P

[Stinger]

Quite honestly, I have always believed that the damned thing was there for a reason, but I also believe that everything happens for a reason whether I like it, or understand it, or not. So, whether this paper, or those scientists, are correct on what the appendix is "good for", I will keep mine only so long as it continues to operate properly. If the damned thing stops doing whatever it does right...it gets pulled out quick as any other stupid organ in my body. Period.

Besides...it's no worse than teaching the "theory of evolution" to kids in school as truth or fact. They SAID they "believe" they have found the reason for the appendix...means nothing until proven. You won't see me at the lab.