AFP
PARIS
Why do humans and other mammals have eyelashes? Experts have been batting rival theories around for years.  Eyelashes are dust catchers, snaring things that would otherwise drift into the eye, went one idea. Or they were sensors, acting like a cat’s whiskers, to warn the eye of wind-borne grit or other dangers, according to another hypothesis. Some suggested that eyelashes were for expression - to enhance the impact of the eye for communication. In fact, said a team of biologists Wednesday, the answer is this: eyelashes direct airflow around the eye to shield it from airborne particles, bacteria, viruses and mites. And they prevent the protective coating of tears on the eyeball - a mix of mucus, oil and water - from drying out. Unlike the hairs in the nose and airway, eyelashes act as ‘a passive dust-controlling system,’ found the study headed by researcher.