Home » Science & Nature » Science Websites » Slime

Slime

© Zany

Slime is defined as any thick messy substance usually viscous or glutinous. Other words that can be substituted for the word slime are sludge, goo, gook, guck, gunk, muck or ooze. I am sure you can add a few more of your own.

I found a series of highly readable articles about slime made from polymer chains on the New Scientist's web site, (*Note: As of July 2001, this site was redesigned and one has to pay to see content.) Not all of the articles are given in their entirety. Some are just summaries. But hey! They want to sell their magazine. Let's check out a few.

For our first stop , we will learn about the hagfish-an eel-like scavenger, which produces a flood of clingy mucus containing strong fibers when upset or in danger. (*Note: As of July 2001, this site was redesigned and one has to pay to see content.) It can change a bucket of water to sludge in seconds if you rile it. A predator who gets caught in the mucus starts to struggle and the fibers twist together clogging its mouth and gills so it suffocates. Don't mess with me. The hagfish neatest trick is to tie itself into a knot then move the knot down it body. This removes the slime from its skin and prevents it from being caught in its own mucus. Scientists are conducting ongoing research to unlock the structure of the fibers. If the fiber can be reproduced in a lab it might lead to an ultra-strong fabric. If you like to learn more about the hagfish and see a picture of the slime check out Hagfish.

Learn how scientist determined how cyanobacteria moves around. (*Note: As of July 2001, this site was redesigned and one has to pay to see content.)

Research has found that snails can reduce the level of aluminum in water by binding it to the mucus the animal secretes. (*Note: As of July 2001, this site was redesigned and one has to pay to see content.) Scientists are now experimenting to determine if the mucus of bacteria and algae can be used in a similar manner to bind aluminum and other metal pollutants thus removing them from water.

The acid house isn't exactly a house but a cave, a weird cave. (*Note: As of July 2001, this site was redesigned and one has to pay to see content.) Cueva de Villa Luz is in southern Mexico and means "cave of the lighted house". As you enter the cave you will choke on hydrogen sulphide. Gas mask recommended. Slim coats the rocks. Look out for the "snottites", white stalactites that reminds one of phlegm. Don't forget to visit "Snot Heaven". Enjoy your visit. This article gives a brief history of how the cave was discovered. It then goes on to discuss the various creatures that inhabit the cave. For a more scientific explanation of the assorted phenomenon within the cave, complete with pictures, visit the Cueva de Villa Luz web site.

The copyright of the article Slime in Science Websites is owned by Zany. Permission to republish Slime in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.