Germs from rubber duck. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an assortment of pathogenic micro-organisms from inside a rubber bath duck after one year of use. The rubber duck was cut open and inside, there was a rich, dark grey biofilm of bacteria, fungi and organic bath residues such as soap residue, dander etc. Seen here are plaques of dried biofilm with fungal hyphae (long, thin) and a variety of bacteria (spheres and rods). In one study, scientists found between 5 million and 75 million cells per square centimetre on the plastic surfaces of rubber ducks and 80 percent harboured potentially pathogenic bacteria, including Legionella or the hospital germ Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Magnification: x10,000, when printed 15cm wide.