What exactly does the appendix do? Paige Bebee made a video about the infamous organ (remembered only when it needs taking out), earning one of the most prestigious science prizes in Australia.
A part of the Eureka Prizes, the national science awards that commends leading research and innovation in the country, the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize recognizes excellence in communicating science. Bebee's entry won her first place in the secondary school division, followed by Luke Cadorin-Taylor's work on concussions and Harry Bebbington and Tom Downie's presentation on gravity.
According to Bebee, the appendix is highly misunderstood. While people can definitely function after it has been removed, making it appear that the organ has no use, the appendix is actually crucial to gut health.
The 9-year-old explained that good bacteria populates the intestines, which helps keep bad bacteria at bay to prevent a person from getting sick. When person does get sick, such as when they get diarrhea, good bacteria is flushed out of the body.
Given the way it is shaped and where it is located, the appendix becomes the perfect reservoir of good bacteria. So when the good gut flora is depleted, the appendix can come to the rescue and repopulate the intestines. Getting gut flora back to ideal levels is important because that ensures that a person doesn't get sick further after having a bout of diarrhea.
Is it really the appendix's doing? Bebee added in her video that a study by Winthrop University Hospital has shown that those who have had the organ removed are four times likelier to suffer gut problems after getting diarrhea.
With Bebee's video showcasing what the appendix does for the body, she also pointed out that the organ is best appreciated by people living in developing countries where clean water and sanitation are not always available. Given the health threats these individuals face, the appendix is one of the reasons they are able to avoid disease.
Barry Marshall, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 2005, had a cameo in Bebee's video. He is her grandfather, which shows that science runs in their blood.
