Snot

So I was wondering this morning what truly makes up snot. I know it's a gross subject and you are probably cringing in horror now...so if you are really grossed out, stop reading!

What I was thinking was that it has amazing viscosity (coefficient of viscosity - "the ratio of the tangential frictional force per unit area to the velocity gradient perpendicular to the direction of flow of a liquid"). It can be slide out of your nose like running water or slowly ooze out like lava. Is there anything else on your body that has this much versitilty? Maybe blood.

It can also change colors depending on it's environment. Going from black and dirty brown from the dust it has absorbed into it's mixture to a vibrant green when we are sick. Okay, why is it green? Does it contain some antibodies in the fluid that is going to make us better? Can you imagine how cool that would be if it did, all we would need to do is eat more. It would be even more mind blowing if that could be the basis for curing the common cold or even types of cancer...snot. Come on now, how far-fetched is it? We use leeches & maggots, why not the common snot layer. Harvesting it would be a hoot.

Have you ever wondered why it's so sticky? One moment it's like Elmers (R) glue, easy to pull apart between your fingers, sort of like pulling taffy I suppose. Next time you have to carve it out like it was coal. Then if you stick it to something, the wall, bed, clothes, it hardens into a something like mortar. Wouldn't it be really versatile if we could cure the cold and use it to affix bricks as well. See I told you it could be amazing.

So if you don't want to harvest the real thing, here is a recipe for fake snot:
Recipes: Fake Snot !
WHAT YOU NEED:
Light corn syrup
3 Envelopes of Unflavored gelatin
Measuring cup
Fork
Sauce pan
Water
Microwave oven or stove
* Permission from your family to cook in the kitchen, or family help.

WHAT TO DO: Heat 1/2 cup water just until it boils. Remove the heat. Sprinkle in 3 envelopes of unflavored gelatin. Let it soften a few minutes and stir with a fork. Add enough corn syrup to make 1 cup of thick glop. Stir with the fork and lift out the long strands of gunk. As it cools, you'll need to add more water, spoonful by spoonful.

So pick away it could be useful, healthy and the next undiscovered cure of the world. Let the kids eat theirs.