Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: stana on 13/01/2008 20:01:02

Title: Does saliva have any other uses outside the body?
Post by: stana on 13/01/2008 20:01:02
Any other uses? Making a spit bucket..so any weird or wacky experiments i could use or try?

thanks
Title: Does saliva have any other uses outside the body?
Post by: RD on 19/06/2008 21:00:01
Saliva can be used to get rid of bloodstains...

Quote
Saliva is a source of digestive enzymes that your body produces almost constantly. The enzymes in our saliva are designed to break down starches, sugars, fats, and other organic matter--many of which are found in blood. If you're in a tight spot and you can't get to a cold water faucet, try dabbing saliva on the stain until you can properly deal with it.
http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-blood-stains.htm


Saliva is also used in the manufacture of the alcoholic drink Chicha ...

Quote
In some cultures, instead of germinating the maize to release the starches therein, the maize is ground, moistened in the chicha maker's mouth, and formed into small balls which are then flattened and laid out to dry. Naturally occurring diastase enzymes in the maker's saliva catalyses the breakdown of starch in the maize into maltose. (This process of chewing grains or other starches was used in the production of alcoholic beverages in pre-modern cultures around the world, including, for example, sake in Japan.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicha
Title: Does saliva have any other uses outside the body?
Post by: neilep on 20/06/2008 00:49:39
Licking stamps ?
Title: Does saliva have any other uses outside the body?
Post by: RD on 20/06/2008 08:26:56
Llamas "spit" as a defence, although it is more like vomiting
http://members.tripod.com/~brianpink/spitting.html