FW: Alien Slime Found at Somerset Nature Reserve after Meteor Strike

From: Andrew Johnson

Date: 2013-02-20 10:02:12

Attachments : As I said to someone else who sent me this story…   Maybe David Cameron went for a walk near there and bits fell off? From: Sent: 20 February 2013 09:53To: Andrew JohnsonSubject: Alien Slime Found at Somerset Nature Reserve after Meteor Strike Alien Slime Found at Somerset Nature Reserve after Meteor Strike Experts are examining a mysterious slime in a Somerset nature reserve in the wake of a meteor strike thousands of miles away in Russia. Translucent goo which resembles “something living” was discovered  pretty Ham Wall reserve by nature lovers. Theories abound about what the jelly is – from “crystallised brain fungus” to the decomposing remains of a dead frog. Baffled site manager Steve Hughes said: “Whatever it is, it’s very weird.” The unexplained blobs had cropped up all around the reserve. “This past week we’ve been finding piles of this translucent jelly dotted around the reserve,” he said. “Always on grass banks away from the water’s edge. “They are usually about 10cm (4in) in diameter. We’ve asked experts what it might be but no one is really sure. Whatever it is, it’s very weird.” According to local folklore, the substance appears in the aftermath of meteor showers. Previous manifestations of it date to the 14th century, according to records. During that period the slime has acquired celestial monikers including “star jelly,” “astral jelly,” or even “astromyxin”. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds spokesman Tony Whitehead said: “In folklore it is said to be deposited in the wake of meteor showers. It’s great that in this day and age that there are still mysteries out there. www.ibtimes.co.uk/ar… RSPB Ham Wall ‘slime’ baffles experts Bosses at the RSPB are keen to hear from anyone who can identify the mystery substance 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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