Snail Slime Study Reveals Five Distinct Mucus Types

The slimes include a lubricant for locomotion, two defensive forms (foam and glue), a protective mucus with calcite crystals for winter hibernation, and an adhesive mucus for clinging to surfaces. The findings could inspire new materials for wound sealing, drug delivery, and catheter lubrication, according to materials scientist Kausik Mukhopadhyay of the University of Central Florida, who was not involved in the study. "Nature is always smarter than us, he said. "Snail slime specifically is fascinating — a natural work of art.