Scientists
at a nature reserve in Somerset have been baffled by a jelly-like slime which
has appeared in a number of locations at the site.
Experts
are divided over the origin of the jelly which has been found on grass banks
away from the water's edge at the RSPB's Ham Wall base.
Spokesman
Tony Whitehead said although unknown, similar substances have been noted in
historical records.
Visitors
are being asked to report findings but warned not to touch it.
'Regurgitated
innards'
Scientific
speculation as to the nature of the jelly is varied with one of the more
favoured explanations that it is a form of cyanobacteria called Nostoc.
Others
suggest that it is the remains of the regurgitated innards of amphibians such
as frogs and toads and of their spawn.
"In
records dating back to the 14th Century it's known variously as star jelly,
astral jelly or astromyxin," Mr Whitehead said.
"In
folklore it is said to be deposited in the wake of meteor showers."
Mr
Whitehead added: "It's great that in this day and age that there are still
mysteries out there.
"We've
read a few articles now and much speculation.
"One
suggested it was neither animal nor plant, and another that it didn't contain
DNA, although it does give the appearance of something 'living'.
"Our
reserve team will be looking out for the slime over the next few days, but if
anyone can offer any explanations we'd be glad to hear."
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