Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: thedoc on 01/09/2016 10:53:01

Title: What's the difference between earwax and bee's wax?
Post by: thedoc on 01/09/2016 10:53:01

chuck zierdt asked the Naked Scientists:
   Hay Chris,

Would you please compare ear wax and beeswax???
Thanx,
Chuck
What do you think?

Title: Re: What's the difference between earwax and bee's wax?
Post by: Bored chemist on 03/09/2016 13:31:26

Among the differences is that earwax is largely made from fatty acids and beeswax is mainly composed of esters.

Title: Re: What's the difference between earwax and bee's wax?
Post by: Colin2B on 03/09/2016 13:54:44

Bee's wax makes nicer candles

Title: Re: What's the difference between earwax and bee's wax?
Post by: chris on 03/09/2016 17:43:48

I speculate that beeswax probably tastes nicer too...

Title: Re: What's the difference between earwax and bee's wax?
Post by: jeffreyH on 03/09/2016 23:17:46

Quote from: chris on 03/09/2016 17:43:48

I speculate that beeswax probably tastes nicer too...

I am hoping you don't wish to test the hypothesis.

Title: Re: What's the difference between earwax and bee's wax?
Post by: Colin2B on 04/09/2016 09:27:41

I have a didgeridoo, the mouthpiece is formed by a layer of beeswax. I wouldn't want to use earwax!

Title: Re: What's the difference between earwax and bee's wax?
Post by: evan_au on 04/09/2016 12:19:05

I recall that earwax is one of the qualities that give the character "Shrek" his initial "Yuck" reaction.