The Appendix Might Have A Purpose

A theory as to the purpose of the appendix has been put forward by surgeons and immunologists from Duke University. The theory is that the appendix produces bacteria that aids in digestion. If someone gets a disease like cholera or amoebic dysentery the bacteria that aids in digestion is completely wiped out. Curiously, the appendix is located in a prime location to deliver those bacterias to the digestive system, and might kick in when the tract is clear of it's digestive team. However, in this day and age we pick up bacteria from the huge amount of people we regularly come in contact with, so the appendix is still, practically useless. However people that live in sparsely populated areas typically have a lower rate of appendicitis, so it's worth keeping around at least. At the moment it's still a theory, but it seems "...the most likely" according to Douglas Theobald of Brandeis University.

AP via MSNBC