Yuck, yuck, and YUCK!  We don't think much about how many people roll up to our closest ATM when we're short on cash, but you might want ponder it the next time you're in desperate need of some benjamins. According to a leading microbiologist, ATM machines have just as many germs as a public toilet and can make you sick enough that you could require medical attention.

''We were interested in comparing the levels of bacterial contamination between heavily-used ATM machines and public lavatories, explains Dr. Richard Hastings, a microbiologist with BioCote. ''We were surprised by our results because the ATM machines were shown to be heavily contaminated with bacteria; to the same level as nearby public lavatories."

Also tops on the "you're totally going to get sick if you use them list?" Public telephones, subway and bus stations, and vending machines. (FYI: We won't judge you if you start carrying around a bunch of hand sanitizer and handi-wipes.)