Can I lick it?
“Can I Lick It?” is our interdisciplinary Chaos Lab series where we ask the only question that matters: can you lick it? We take everyday (and not-so-everyday) rocks, minerals, and mystery substances and put them to the test—because we’ve gotta know if the science says it’s safe. Sometimes licking is diagnostic. Sometimes it could kill you. Sometimes the only answer is just… how? Equal parts geology, microbiology, and feral humor—this is Chaos Lab at its finest.
Bats
So many reasons why you shouldn't lick bats: Rabies, federally protected, Consent matters, and they can lick you back!
Cave moon milk
Though it looks like melted ice cream, it's not. Just crunchy cave yogurt with microbes. Don't do it.
No! do not lick and do not drink! It's got additives that will kill you! consider this your PSA.
Brought to you from the Kentucky state Fair! Will not spontaneously turn to sulfuric acid in saliva.
Lab grade ethanol
Lapis lazuli
Mystery cave fungus
We don't know what this is yet, so probably don't lick the weird fungus...
Update: we identified the fungus! Check it out here!!
Sweaty T-shirt study
Can I sniff it? When your nose and a sweaty T-shirt can help you choose an immunologic-compatible mate.
Staphylococcus carnosus and Lactobacillus plantarum are key ingredients in pepperoni! Lick away.
This popcorn is made of minerals and sediment, not corn, And, it can be federally protected. Don't lick!
Bacterial co-culture #1
Cave popcorn
Medullary thyroid carcinoma
First of all, just don't lick cancer, ever. And, my thyroid cancer's been incinerated, so it's now unlickable.
Rejected grant proposal
Draft of my grant proposal,yeah you can lick it. But it's currently soaking up my tears.
Gas line salsa with hints of tetanus. Don't lick this one.
Bahamas Cemented beach rock - go ahead. Tastes like salt and questionable vacation priorities.