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Many people have small pouches in their colons that bulge outward through weak spots. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. About 10% of Americans older than age 40 years have diverticulosis, which, when the pouches become infected or inflamed, is called diverticulitis. The main cause of diverticular disease is a low-fiber diet.
Drying your hands with a paper towel will reduce the bacterial count on your hands by 45–60%.
On average, the stomach produces 2 L of hydrochloric acid per day.
Though the United States has largely rejected the metric system, it is used for currency, as in 100 pennies = 1 dollar. Previously, the British currency system was used, with measurements such as 12 pence to the shilling, and 20 shillings to the pound.
More than 2,500 barbiturates have been synthesized. At the height of their popularity, about 50 were marketed for human use.