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This week we\u2019re exploring our microbial metropolis.

Smitha Mundasad heads into the lab to meet the bacteria that live on her skin \u2013 and on her family\u2019s dirty laundry \u2013 to understand what\u2019s there, and why.\n \nShe goes antibiotic-hunting around her house to find out whether bacteria on a washing up sponge, a fluffy cushion, the bottom of a shoe \u2013 and even some of her kids\u2019 play slime \u2013 could hold the key to helping scientists find new medicines.\n \nNext, Smitha wants to find out the answer to how often we should wash ourselves \u2013 and our clothes \u2013 for good health, but, as she finds out, this question is not as simple as it sounds. \n \nIt turns out there's a big difference between cleanliness and hygiene \u2013 and the confusion between these two rather important words could be having an impact on our health\u2026

Presenter: Dr Smitha Mundasad\nProducer: Gerry Holt\nEditor: Holly Squire