Evolution Of The Human Appendix: A Biological 'Remnant' No More
Friday, August 21, 2009 - 09:28
in Biology & Nature
The lowly appendix, long-regarded as a useless evolutionary artifact, won newfound respect two years ago when researchers proposed that it actually serves a critical function. The appendix, they said, is a safe haven where good bacteria could hang out until they were needed to repopulate the gut after a nasty case of diarrhea, for example.