It has long been regarded as a potentially troublesome, redundant organ, but researchers say they have discovered the true function of the appendix.

The conventional wisdom is that the small pouch protruding from the first part of the large intestine is redundant and many people have their appendix removed and appear none the worse for it.

The researchers say it acts as a safe house for good bacteria, which can be used to effectively reboot the gut following a bout of dysentery or cholera.

Barbara Miller via Political Blindspot for the full article.