The soil was a fertilised mix of regular soil and potting mix. One morning after a heavy rainfall, we noticed very many globules of a clear jelly-like substance. This jelly was found nowhere else in the garden. It had a uniform consistance and each globule was no bigger than a regular marble. We thought it may have been some sort of micro-organism, so we tried to incubate it by putting one globule in a cup of egg yolk, this yealded no noticable growth.

The picture attached shows 3 globules of the jelly after being rinsed (still with traces of dirt). The consistancy is such that it is clinging to the page of the book.

Thanks,

Manu Francois + Reuben Herz-Edinger

I was having a discussion with my mates about what would happen if you filled a swimming pool with jelly and jumped in.

Some of the group believe you would sit happily on the surface. Others, myself included, reckon you would sink, and risk drowning as the jelly collapsed around you.

We wouldn't want anybody to be harmed, so we don't recommend experimenting to find out. But do any New Scientist readers have a theoretical answer to the question?

Ross, Bristol, UK