Scientists in Switzerland are currently engaged in a multi-year project to study the unique slime of the hagfish with the hope of one day using it to create "super hydrogels" that would likely see widespread commercial use.
The hagfish dwells deep below the watery depths. And scientists are interested in its slime.
According to ETH Zürich, "The slime of the hagfish is an extraordinary defense mechanism. When a hagfish is attacked by a predator...This slime immobilizes vast amounts of water, forming a dilute, viscous and cohesive network. Fish attempting to attack the hagfish may then suffocate on the slime and thus let go of the hagfish."
The institute is now engaged in a multi-year research project focused on the deep-sea-dweller's slime.
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