Okay, Who's Research is This? (Bacteria Analysis of Unwashed Denim)

Notreknip · Jan 19, 2011

I don't know whether to be

or

that from all of the good research coming out of my school (University of Alberta), this is what is considered a "top story" by our national media. I mean, the scientific method here is clearly lacking, BUT I do love my denim. If my 3-years of slaving away at a Masters project gets 1% of this publicity I'd be thrilled. ...and to think I knew of all of the SF members in Edmonton... http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories...-jeans-110119/

A University of Alberta student has discovered that combining science and trendy fashion is safe, but can stink a little. Josh Le donned the same pair of skin-tight jeans for 15 months without washing them to break in the raw denim so it would appear worn and creased and hug his body. Le was curious about the health risks, so the 20-year-old asked his textiles professor to test the jeans for bacteria before he washed them for the first time. The results showed high counts of five different kinds of bacteria in the denim, but nothing that posed a health hazard. The professor tested the jeans again after Le wore them for another 13 days and discovered the same amount of bacteria. Le says he put his jeans in the freezer whenever they got smelly to kill the odour.

TL;DR - SW&D members likely reek, but probably won't die if for some reason they decide to lick the crotches of their raw jawnz.

Keyboard Warrior · Jan 19, 2011

If this was in India, the story would be much different

zissou · Jan 19, 2011

I was watching a documentary and one of the guys in the band usually fell asleep drunk in his jeans every night. End result: raging case of jock itch. I guess as long as they are actually taken off, you are usually ok.

somatoform · Jan 19, 2011

In related news: smoking is not a health hazard because no one has ever come close to dying after lighting up cigarettes for 15 months.

Originally Posted by Notreknip

this is what is considered a "top story" by our national media.

To be fair though, the political ramifications are huge:

Liberal Opposition leader: we should set aside some federal funding to care for homeless peoples... shelter, food, a change of clothes...

Conservative Leader: Actually!!, there was this study done at the University of Alberta....

wj4 · Jan 19, 2011

Back when I was in the process of obtaining my MS, I seriously thought about doing a similar study myself. I had access to the microbiology lab. I wanted to swab and culture bacteria counts, but I didn't know anyone who wore jeans that intensely without washing.

hendrix · Jan 19, 2011

it would be relatively simple to do a change in microbial ecology over time study, perhaps with reference to washed jeans. Could pick out a few of the key players, as well as do a follow up study to figure out what it is they're actually eating. might be interesting.

hendrix · Jan 19, 2011

Originally Posted by somatoform

In related news: smoking is not a health hazard because no one has ever come close to dying after lighting up cigarettes for 15 months.

not even remotely useful comparison.

Donut · Jan 19, 2011

I'm from edmonton too, and that research is pretty interesting.

somatoform · Jan 19, 2011

Originally Posted by hendrix

not even remotely useful comparison.

Of course it isn't, and neither is "health hazard".

hendrix · Jan 19, 2011

Originally Posted by somatoform

Of course it isn't, and neither is "health hazard".

i'm trying to understand your point.

this is what i'm thinking you're saying: that the absence of known "harmful bacteria" doesn't necessarily mean the jeans don't necessarily have some type of negative health consequence to the wearer?

Keyboard Warrior · Jan 19, 2011

I'm more interested in the places he'd been in the past 15 months. If it's just home>college>home routine, well pretty much explains it.

Phiberglass · Jan 19, 2011

This is not research or an experiment, all he did was test the bacteria level on his jeans...

HEWSINATOR · Jan 19, 2011

Has anybody checked SuFu to see if the news broke there. This guy has to be a member somewhere.

PersonalJesus · Jan 19, 2011

Observational study, yo.

DrMoBueno · Jan 20, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

My scrotal sweat smells like crushed flowers, and my jeans' crotch squeezings are being studied as a green alternative energy source for automobiles.

Okay, Who's Research is This? (Bacteria Analysis of Unwashed Denim)

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