The chapter that I found to be the
most interesting in Packing For Mars: The
Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach is chapter 10, Houston We
Have A Fungus. This chapter is basically about how these men do not bath
because they are doing a science experiment. There was one experiment where
they could not bathe or sponge bathe, shave, no grooming, cannot change clothes
and bed linen, no oral hygiene, and even minimal use of wipes. This experiment
went for two to six weeks.one of the teams lived in their spacesuits and
helmets for four weeks. It was really bad for the men that were doing this
project, but it was worse for the researchers that had to actually smell the
men and take notes. “Axilla (armpits) and groin occupy the top two slots
because that’s where the body’s apocrine seat glands are” (195). In fact the apocrine glands are attached to
the nervous system. Also underarm sweat provides food and room for
bacteria.
I read the
title first and I was wondering what this was about. The first thing that
caught my eye was “two men, two weeks, no bathing, same underwear” (193). I
could not see myself doing this experiment at all. I think that is why I found
this so interesting because I cannot see anyone doing this. It is so gross and
disgusting. I could not do it for more than two days and these men are doing it
for two to six weeks. Some are even in a spacesuit and I would not be able to
sleep that way. I have to give it to them for holding up that long just for a
science experiment.
This chapter struck me also, it is absolutely crazy that they did this. Going up in space for six wees without a lot of interaction with humans, not getting a lot of food and not be able to move around a lot is tough enough. But when they are doing an experiment for hygiene, I feel like it is pushing it, I could never do such a thing!
ReplyDeleteKrystal,
ReplyDeleteI also found this chapter to be interesting, and quite disgusting. I am one of those people who have to shower every single day and constantly am washing my hands and face so there is absolutely no way that I would be able to participate in this experiment. I feel like doing this science experiment is also bad for someone's health with all the bacteria breeding on them. I also feel like the people participating in this experiment have to be in grumpy moods. They aren't around humans so they don't have that social aspect that is important, and now they have to smell themselves as well as a couple others in the process. I would not be thrilled myself.
Great post Krystal. It's funny because I love to camp, and on occasion, there will be a location, let's say a desert, where you get really sweaty, really dirty, and can't do a lot about using water since it's basically unavailable or you are rationing it. I guess I'd be up for anything for science, but I have to admit that when I think about hitting the end of a week mark, I can't sleep all that well. The felling of "slickness" from natural body oils gets a bit uncomfortable. But up to six weeks....I can't fathom that, nor would I be first to raise my hand and try. I found this chapter good for several laughs as my mind searched for mental odors.
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