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Phunny Phobias

Phunny Phobias



If you met someone who was afraid of paper or wax statues, wouldn't you tell them to stop being so ridiculous and get over it? Every Monday, Null editor Hayley hand-picks another bizarre phobia and tries to work out whether it's real or rubbish.




This week:

Myxophobia:
fear of slime


What's so scary about it?
I suppose it really depends on where it's coming from, but nobody's too keen on icky, drippy stuff.

What do the scientists say about it?
Forget the scientists - someone's actually patented a protective cover that could be used to treat myxophobia.  Made from a phosphorescent material that provides an "energised light field", it's intended primarily to guard against fear of the dark (nyctophobia).  But among other things, including creating a softly lit, romantic atmosphere that will enhance "nocturnal domestic spouse relations", the claimants suggest their cover could be used to mitigate against a number of other fears.  Namely slime, ghosts and giving birth to a malformed infant.  Don't ask me.

Hayley says:
"You can't make this stuff up.  Real.
"


So far: Real 14  Rubbish 15


Find phunny phobias from other weeks here.

Null's other regular features:

Tuesday: Nutty Nomenclature
Wednesday: Doctor Doctor
Thursday: Peculiar Periodicals
Friday: End of week timewasters
Erratically: The World in Brief

Image: Anders Engelbøl


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14 Jun 2011
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