Tumble Science Podcast for Kids The Science of Snot
Nov 28, 2025
Join zoologist Dani Rabiotti, co-author of "Believe It or Snot," as she unravels the sticky secrets of mucus! Discover why humans and animals produce snot, and how it keeps our airways healthy. Dani explains the thickening of mucus during colds and the surprising safety of eating boogers. Meet the slimiest creatures, from parrotfish with mucus cocoons to hagfish that use slime as a defense. Learn why scientists study these gooey substances and their potential in eco-friendly innovations!
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Mucus Is A Daily Protective Cocktail
- Mucus contains mucins that turn water into a slimy protective layer in our airways.
- The body makes about a quart and a half of mucus daily to keep airways and throats from drying out.
Thick Snot Signals An Immune Battle
- Mucus thickens and changes color because immune cells are fighting viruses during a cold.
- That thicker mucus both signals immune activity and carries the virus, enabling spread via sneezing.
Don't Eat Your Boogers
- Avoid eating boogers because dried mucus contains trapped germs, dust, and immune cells.
- Dani Rabiotti warns that consuming those contaminated boogers is unhealthy despite being natural in some animals.
