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Thanks to researchers, face mites are getting an image makeover
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LEILA FADEL, HOST:
OK, so if you're squeamish about bugs, which I am, a little heads-up - we're going to be talking about microscopic bugs that live on your face.
A MARTÍNEZ, HOST:
Yep. They feed off the oil on your skin. Here's Alejandro Manzano Marin of the University of Vienna.
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ALEJANDRO MANZANO MARIN: They have tiny, tiny legs, but they can run really fast because when it gets dark, they need to go from pore to pore so they will be able to mate.
FADEL: They may sound like parasites, but Marin says think again.
MARIN: We've looked at this animal, which is not really a parasite that lives in us, but rather probably something that is giving us a benefit.
MARTÍNEZ: The relationship between a human and a microscopic face bug might be evolving, becoming a little more symbiotic.
MARIN: They might be giving us this ability to probably keep our pores unclogged from other things that might land in there.
FADEL: So there you go. Consider face mites a part of your skin care routine. You've got your exfoliant, your simple cleanser, your moisturizer and now your face mites? Ew. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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