Transportation
Gross Yet Stunning Portraits of NYC Subway Bacteria
A Brooklyn-based typographer took samples from all 22 lines to culture and photograph their distinctive (and colorful) germs.
They say touching the handrail of a subway train is like shaking hands with a hundred people. Just thinking about the variety of bacteria that a commute spreads over your palms is enough to make the average rider squirm. And even though you probably have a dozen tricks up your sleeve to keep those hands germ-free, researchers say they’re mostly pointless.
So Craig Ward and his “Subvisual Subway” project—which captures bacteria found on the New York City subway in oddly beautiful, colorful photos—will leave you amazed and reaching for hand sanitizer.