Scientist finds some beards as filthy as toilets

In an announcement sure to upset hipsters the world over, a scientist has warned that some beards carry as much fecal matter as toilet bowls.

Microbiologist John Golobic, of Quest Diagnostics in New Mexico, analysed a handful of beards for New Mexico TV station KOAT and was surprised by the results.

He said that while a number of beards contained normal bacteria, some were so strewn with fecal matter that they were comparable to toilets.

The scientist said that if some of the samples he found on men's faces were discovered in the water system it would need to be shut down and disinfected.

And while none of the levels of bacteria were high enough to cause health problems Mr Golobic warned that "there would be a degree of uncleanliness that would be somewhat disturbing".

The microbiologist advised regular hand washing and beard cleaning.

"Try to keep your hands away from your face, as much as possible," he said.