Operation Ouch Season 7 Episode 12 Spit And Snot

In Operation Ouch season 7 episode 12, titled "Spit And Snot", viewers are taken on a gross and fascinating journey exploring the science behind two of the body's least appealing substances: spit and snot.

Presented by identical twin brothers Dr. Chris and Dr. Xand van Tulleken, the episode delves into the reasons why we produce saliva and mucus and how they both play important roles in keeping our bodies healthy.

The episode begins with a look at spit, or saliva. The doctors explain how we produce around 1.5 liters of spit each day, which helps to lubricate our mouths, break down food, and fight bacteria.

To demonstrate the power of spit, the twins conduct an experiment where they chew a piece of bread and then hold it in their mouths without swallowing. Over time, the bread becomes soggy and dissolves, showing how saliva acts as a digestive enzyme.

Next, Operation Ouch takes a closer look at snot, or mucus. The doctors explain how we produce around a liter of snot each day, which helps to trap dirt, dust, and bacteria in our nose and keep it from entering our lungs.

To illustrate the importance of snot, the twins conduct an experiment where they fill a balloon with flour to simulate the dust and dirt in the air we breathe. They then use a vacuum to suck the air out of the balloon and show how the flour becomes trapped in the mucus lining their nostrils.

The episode also includes a visit to a police dog training center, where a specially trained dog helps to detect illegal drugs at airports by sniffing out the chemicals found in illegal substances. The dog's nose is so sensitive that it can detect substances at incredibly low concentrations, thanks to the sticky mucus that lines its nose.

Throughout the episode, the doctors also answer questions from young viewers, such as why we get hiccups, why we sneeze, and why our noses run when we cry.

As always, Operation Ouch brings a fun and educational approach to science, using humor, experiments, and easy-to-understand explanations to make complex topics accessible to young viewers. "Spit And Snot" is no exception, offering a fascinating look at two bodily functions that we often take for granted but are essential to our overall health and wellbeing.