Microbiologist reveals how much bacteria lurks on used mask and other everyday objects

By Jessica Hehir-Smith via SWNS

A young microbiologist has gone viral for showing the level of bacteria on everyday objects such cutlery, a used face mask and a TV remote.

Samuel Gerakas Barefoot, an 18-year-old Public Health Specialist for the United States Air Force, began swabbing objects near the end of 2021 in his own self-made, at-home laboratory in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

After seeing people doing similar things online, Sam decided to combine his love of microbiology with his interest in TikTok content creation with his own personal twist.

His process always follows proper scientific methods by using a clean swab for the objects, which he swaps onto a petri dish and then places in an incubator: the bacteria culture is left to grow for 48 hours.

He began posting with his own ideas of basic objects to swab, as well as those from friends and family.

Since his videos have gained traction, Sam takes inspiration from his followers and asks people to comment on what they’d like to see tested.

The young microbiologist's videos have received millions of views.

He said: “I started posting online because I wanted people to be inspired by science the same way I had been.

“I didn’t have high expectations but the blowup on TikTok has been amazing.
“People message me all the time asking for recommendations on books and other pieces for them to do their own research.”

Sam has been pleasantly surprised by how many people have been enjoying his content, as he loves engaging with commenters and getting them inspired by the amazing fields of science and healthcare.

He said: “After people watch my videos, I want them to feel inspired to research microbiology, infectious disease.

“It’d be great to see people getting a microscope, reading some books and learning about this themselves.

“There’s so much to learn out there, sometimes you just need a microscope to see it.

“The pursuit of knowledge is such a great and awesome thing!”