Used to hang out at my mom and dad’s farm in Indiana on vacations. Never failed to be astonished at the vast quantities of flies to be found on a farm. Found an article years ago that said absolutely no useful purpose had yet been found for flies. Supposedly, it said, they even inhibit the natural process of waste elimination by consuming the bacteria that decompose manure! Boy, did I get a lot of mileage out of that one when the whole family was congregating down on the farm.

Well, I’m not ashamed to admit when I’m wrong (sometimes, anyway). It’s a pretty roundabout contribution, but scientists are now reporting there’s a protein found in the saliva of black flies that helps wounds and incisions heal faster and more effectively.

Of course, I’m not surprised, since I tend to believe that everything in the universe is here for a reason. I’m just a little sad that I’ve lost the ammunition I used for so long to perpetuate my hate-hate relationship with flies.

I don’t care, though. I still hate the buggers. And I sure don’t want them setting any of those guys loose on any wound of mine…

P.S. Leaving for a brief vacation today. Will be out of blogging range until 1/31. Have a great weeek!