The following appeared on the Texascavers email list. I know I've always felt happy in caves. :-) I wonder if this might have curative powers for White-Nose Syndrome?
Mark Minton
Soil Makes You Happy-From Organic Gardening Magazine (Nov-Jan 2007/2008) -
A common soil bacterium, Mycobacterium vaccae, is an effective vaccine for leprosy. Researchers began to evaluate its merit in treating asthma, tuberculosis, and cancer. When cancer patients treated with M. vaccae reporting feeling inexplicably happier, neuroscientist Christpoher Lowry, PhD, of the UK's University of Bristol injected mice with the bacterium, then examined their brains. The mice's immune systems were stimulated, causing brain cells to release serotonin, a mood-altering, pleasure-inducing hormone.
A good excuse to get down and dirty and go caving!!
Cheers,Denise
