Source: Wikimedia CommonsInundated with a lifetime's worth of advertisements declaring dirt the enemy, our society is consumed by individuals terrified of inviting muddy, bacteria-laden chaos into their lives. Now, scientists at Victoria University of Wellington, concerned about antibiotic-resistant bacteria and developing immunities in children and teens, are encouraging us all to get out there and "play in the mud."

The scientists believe that there will be a gradual shift away from avoiding all things dirty and obsessively bathing our hands in antibacterial foams after coming into contact with any and all surfaces. Instead, scientists insist in the necessity of "playing in the dirt," claiming it is key to win the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a growing concern. The researchers also remind us that most antibiotics were produced from bacteria found in soil.

Dr. Jeremy Owen, a senior lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences, said: “as resistance to these existing antibiotics grows, we need to turn to the hidden bacteria that can’t be cultured in a lab setting, and borrow their genetic blueprints. We can then transfer those blueprints to another bacteria we can grow in the lab, with the hope they are able to read the instructions and create new antibiotics."

Playing in the mud also encourages learning, especially in teens and children, and scientists are lobbying for education systems to promote playing without the fear of getting dirty. According to scientists, this kind of play not only makes children and teens stronger, but it also introduces their immune systems to a variety of bacteria all at once.