Slime is all around and inside you – new research on its origins
![Slime is all around and inside you – new research on its origins](https://images.theconversation.com/files/481194/original/file-20220825-25-6uk4i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C2121%2C1412&q=20&auto=format&w=320&fit=clip&dpr=2&usm=12&cs=strip)
A vast array of species, including people, use slime for a variety of essential bodily functions. Studying the genetic ancestry of slime surprisingly showcases the role of repetitive DNA in evolution.
![](https://static.scientificamerican.com/sciam/cache/file/BDC45FAF-7852-4E3A-8A22B93BEBE6A43B_source.jpg)
See the Bizarre Fruiting Bodies of Slime Molds
![](https://daily.jstor.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/a_slimy_story_snail_mucous_1050x700.jpg)
A Slimy Story: Snail Mucus - JSTOR Daily
![](https://i0.wp.com/artisticrainbow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Artistic-rainbow-history-behind-slime-post-image.jpg?fit=1200%2C857&ssl=1)
The History Behind Slime - Artistic Rainbow Slime Shop
![](https://cdn.britannica.com/26/148226-050-586E9202/slime-mold-phase.jpg)
Slime mold, Physarum Polycephalum, Cellular Slime Molds
![](https://scx2.b-cdn.net/gfx/news/2022/slime-is-all-around-an.jpg)
Slime is all around and inside you: New research on its origins
![](https://stevespangler.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/vampire-slime-fti.jpg)
Vampire Slime - Eerie Green and Blood Red - Steve Spangler
![](https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/03/09/ground-beef-1ce0cb8339dfd9fbd3b40af6c4979c45620b4c59-s1100-c50.jpg)
Is It Safe To Eat 'Pink Slime'? : The Salt : NPR
![](https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/6-weeks-of-slime-header-20170823.jpg)
6 Weeks of Slime - Steve Spangler Science
![](https://img.atlasobscura.com/a9nkaVYOxNcwX6dggeQBtSCLSaiev-BTYRPDrowQETE/rs:fill:580:580:1/g:ce/q:81/sm:1/scp:1/ar:1/aHR0cHM6Ly9hdGxh/cy1kZXYuczMuYW1h/em9uYXdzLmNvbS91/cGxvYWRzL3RoaW5n/X2ltYWdlcy82MTZi/ZmU3N2Q2ODhjMTQw/YWJfNTU2MjkxMzIx/MV9iZTFiZmQxMTFj/X28uanBn.jpg)
Hagfish - Gastro Obscura