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, United States.

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.

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."