Scientists can't explain almost 50 percent of the DNA found on NYC subways

Riders aboard a New York City subway
(Image credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

A new study from Weill Cornell Medical College has revealed that New York's subway system is teeming with bacteria, many of which are unidentifiable.

Dr. Christopher Mason, lead author of the study, told The New York Times that subway riders should be impressed with the transit system's variety of life. "I want them to think of it the same way you'd look at a rain forest, and be almost in awe and wonder, effectively, that there are all these species present — and that you’ve been healthy all along," Mason told the Times.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.