Snot Just Slime! - The Mucus Barrier

Mucus is known a sticky substance found in the most gross of places, yet its underlying purposes play a crucial role across the animal world. From snails to frogs and snot to slime, the range of functions found in mucosal biology are far-reaching and fundamental to life. But what makes mucus? Jack will demonstrate this and mucus composition using cooking ingredients, before exploring how changing these properties affects mucus function between different animals, within our own body and looking at what happens when mucus structure goes wrong.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder resulting in thickened mucus that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. In particular, a thicker mucus environment is often exploited by fungal species, in addition to subverting important lung defence mechanisms.
Natalie will also show us how mathematical models are currently being used to demonstrate how mucus can block airways!

A poem by ChatGPT: In the land of slimy creatures and goo, Lived a frog who knew just what to do. He knew the power of mucus so sticky, And how it could make him quite tricky. But little did he know the power of his goo, Could cure a cold, and heal the flu. For mucus is a wonderous thing, And can help you fight off any sting.