It smells bad like rotten egg or geothermal emissions, is invisible, sometimes noisy, at times just a gentle whisper or a bodily response that could be embarrassing when it comes out unexpectedly. Gag shows often include passing-of-the-wind jokes in their punch lines.

Australian teen queen Bindi Irwin is accused of exploding a massive anal bomb during Tuesday’s episode of “Dancing With The Stars America,” while a Saudi prince arrested last week in the US who was accused of sexual assault allegedly asked a male assistant to pass wind on his face as part of his unusual sexual practices.

But now some groups are saying that smelling the fart could possibly heal cancer. However, some doctors disagree, dividing the medical community on the subject that is still a taboo.

On one side are scientists from the University of Exeter who believe smelling the foul wind that comes from the colon could prevent cancer. They also say besides reducing the risk of cancer, the list of ailments it could avert include strokes, heart attacks, arthritis and dementia by preserving mitochondria.

The fart is the result of the production of hydrogen sulfide gas when bacteria breaks down food. The mitochondria are considered the powerhouses of the cells that generate the energy cells need to do its job.

Exeter researchers have exploited the natural process by creating the AP39, a molecule that very slowly delivers small amounts of gas to the mitochondria. “Our results indicate that if stressed cells are treated with AP39, mitochondria are protected and cells stay alive,” explains Professor Mart Whiteman from the university’s medical school.

Whiteman says that cells stressed by ailment draw in enzymes to generate small amounts of hydrogen sulfide. If the mitochondria does not tick over and allow cells to live, cells lose the ability to regulate survival and control inflammation. The researcher applied the AP39 in vitro under several conditions and are still working in using it in human clinical trials.

It published the results of the study in the Medical Chemistry Communications journal, while a follow-up report was also published in The Nitric Oxide Journal.

On the other side, IFLScience warns about taking the study’s conclusion out of context. It pointed out in an article in July that the Exeter researchers found that the molecule brings in enzymes to produce hydrogen sulfide within the mitochondria. It was applied in vitor, and they did not indicate getting it from outside sources, particularly human gas emissions.

It concludes, “anyone who has been subjecting loved ones to increased amounts of pungent flatulence over the weekend and telling them it’s good for them: you owe them one hell of an apology.”

Contact the writer at feedbacl@ibtimes.com.au or tell us what you think below

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