It’s time for some new plates. About a month ago I had innoculated a few plates, swabbing everything from my cat’s jelly bean toes to the kitchen sink (well, sponge). It was done sort of lackadaisically and I didn’t go about it in as organized a way as I wish I would’ve. This time around I have the pressure of keeping things neat and easy-to-follow for my five man audience here. While this round of cultures incubates over the next couple of weeks I’ll probably keep a few posts rolling out with micrographs from the full-grown colonies I currently have. Eventually I’d like this to evolve into a mystery of sorts where I engage you all to join me in identifying specific colonies, or at least going as far as I can in my efforts to identify them. Without access to at least a gel electrophoresis system, there is no way to reach a positive ID with any certainty. I do, however, have a few stains and other supplies on hand that are needed to conduct various tests to help narrow the search down, and I hope to be able to consult with friends and colleagues and have them share their thoughts with us. I’m going to continue brainstorming but before I go I’d like to hear your guys’ ideas. Is there anything you’d like me to swab? In order to stay dedicated to my mission statement of keeping topics here relatable to everyone, I’d like to sample things that are encountered commonly by a lot of people in their everyday lives or at some point in their lives. Anything you’ve ever doubted the cleanliness of? Don’t be shy! I appreciate any and all input! Take a look around you. What would you like to see cultures of?