A study (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/feb/01/special-spit-is-the-secret-of-uniquely-sticky-frog-tongues-study-reveals) has confirmed that frog saliva has thixotropic properties. This is revealed when the frog flicks out its tongue to capture and swallow insect prey. As the tongue is flicked, the spits is liquid and runny but when it comes into contact with the insect, the spit becomes thick and sticky. This means that the saliva spreads all over the frog's prey before re-forming as an inescapable trap. Fluids with this property are exploited in a number biological activities including burrowing by sand dwelling bivalves.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Wednesday, 1 February 2017
Frog Spit
A study (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/feb/01/special-spit-is-the-secret-of-uniquely-sticky-frog-tongues-study-reveals) has confirmed that frog saliva has thixotropic properties. This is revealed when the frog flicks out its tongue to capture and swallow insect prey. As the tongue is flicked, the spits is liquid and runny but when it comes into contact with the insect, the spit becomes thick and sticky. This means that the saliva spreads all over the frog's prey before re-forming as an inescapable trap. Fluids with this property are exploited in a number biological activities including burrowing by sand dwelling bivalves.
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