The "Five Second Rule" doesn't work

In case you had any doubts, the "Five Second Rule" doesn't work, says Dr. Susan Rhem, an infectious disease specialist from the Cleveland Clinic:



A common superstition, the five-second rule states that food dropped on the ground will not be contaminated with bacteria if it is picked up within five seconds of being dropped (Wikipedia).

Comments from Twitter:

@alisha764: The "5 Second Rule" doesn't work: Food + Floor = Bacteria

UK GPs' income fell for the second year in a row in 2007-2008

Income before tax for the average GP was £100 324 (Euro 110 000; $150 000) before tax. This represents a fall of more than £3000 on 2006-2007, and £6000 on the peak year, 2005-2006, when the new contract came into force.

Expenses have risen and gross earnings have remained much the same, squeezing the net income GP principals earned from their practices.

References:

GPs' income fell for the second year in a row in 2007-8. BMJ.

Image source: Openclipart.org, public domain.