Trypophobia! Boogers! Disgust! A Gross Science Q&A

Where does disgust come from? What are boogers made of? What is trypophobia? Your questions... ANSWERED.
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↓Want more info?↓
More on Paul Rozin and disgust (from UPenn): www.sas.upenn.e...
Mucus and smell: www.jneurosci.o...
Boogers: Myths and Facts (from io9): io9.com/boogers...
Fear of Holes May Stem From Evolutionary Survival Response (from the Association for Psychological Science): bit.ly/1N4EWxu
Trypophobia paper in Psychological Science: pss.sagepub.com...
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Host, Writer, Editor
Anna Rothschild
DP
Jeffrey Wood
Happy Harry
Music Provided by APM
©WGBH Educational Foundation 2015
Images and Footage
Girl and Healthy Broccoli Diet on White
Pond5/Haywiremedia
Cutest Koala
Wikimedia Commons/Erik Veland
Bugs on plate
©WGBH Educational Foundation 2012


Bundesarchiv Bild 183-S33882, Adolf Hitler retouched
Wikimedia Commons/German Federal Archives
Hagfish Slime
©WGBH Educational Foundation/Anna Rothschild
Myxine NOAA
Wikimedia Commons/NOAA
Gray907
Wikimedia Commons/Henry Vandyke Carter from Henry Gray’s “Anatomy of the Human Body” 1918
Lotus pod (3896235055)
Wikimedia Commons/Julie Lyn
Yellow-banded.poison.dart.frog
Wikimedia Commons/Arpingstone
Blue-Ringed Octopus (14280614299)
Wikimedia Commons/Elias Levy
SFX
Cockroaches
Freesound/StateAardvark­
(used with permission from author)
Squeak Pack/squeak_10
Freesound/Corsica_S
Poof of Smoke
Freesound/Planman
Produced by WGBH for PBS Digital Studios

[@izzieluv]

the skin pictures are the only trypophobia pictures that bug me.

[@ronsonsiliado6316]

Lizzie Fleck YUCK THATS THE WORST ONES!!!

[@haydenanderson2121]

What that means is that, most likely, you don't have the fear, but you have the inner disgust for what is inside of those holes. Looking at normal lotus pods, I personally, *do* get the same reaction, signifying, that on some level, I have the fear.

[@Szobiz]

Lucky. I get it triggered from lotus pods pictures too, but knowing that is lotus pod made me think if I would feel it if I saw one irl

[@GlytcheD]

Me too.

[@rosurinplayz]

Lizzie Cottrell You mean Jiggers?

[@Niker107]

You should do more of these! It makes it feel like you're a lot closer to us! Q/As are a great way to communicate with viewers - and they make great episodes too.

[@grossscienceshow]

+Niker107 I would love to! Thanks for the feedback.

[@titan4x311]

+Gross Science ya u really should

[@laurensaks1]

how does something become universally excepted as a phobia? how many catalogued cases or studies need to be done?

[@grossscienceshow]

Excellent question, Lauren! I'll answer it in the next Q&A!

[@AppliedScience]

I really like the Q/A format. Very interesting and well presented.

[@grossscienceshow]

+Applied Science Thanks so much!

[@alexandrayla]

When you mentioned disgust, it reminds me of disgust from inside out :)

[@Pipeblau]

did someone else looked away when she started talking about trypophobia to not look at the pictures?

[@anushkagupta3897]

Yes!!!

[@justasocialreaposefangirlm6516]

Felipe Saavedra Same

[@Hahahaha78177]

No

[@flagassault9715]

Felipe Saavedra No

[@rukiblomst4753]

Yeah i did

[@SouthBayLA1310]

I thought the thumb nail was pizza

[@justindunn1883]

+Danny 310 bet you weren't as disappointed as me when you clicked :|.

[@Spiegelgeist]

I'm with you, brother.

[@thezdude8512]

Same!

[@macwinlin]

Me too!

[@dezanaygrier6552]

It's called being greedy.

[@volpedo2000]

I prefer this set to the green screen. It makes you more natural and approachable! Cool!

[@grossscienceshow]

+Will Giani Awesome! Thanks for letting me know!

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

Thank you for the little "eew" at the end. I didn't think you were going to do it in this episode and it gave me a smile when you did.

[@reddsophia8100]

Ugh I hate trypophobia! Just looking at the picture for the episode made me itchy and uncomfortable!

[@kellyvalle6593]

Just makes me itchy XD

[@wayne.cc9]

Same

[@jonathangamez952]

I don't think that 'fear' is the best word to explain Trypophobia. I would associate it with extreme disgust. In my case I feel really itchi and get goosebumps all over my body, but it's nothing related to fear like fear of spider or fear of heights.

[@agustinvenegas5238]

On the other hand, that's you, a friend's mother has trypophobia and she would get out of the house just to avoid being near a drawing of that kind of stuff

[@flatulenceone]

FYI. Part of the reason that I think that I'm initially creeped-out by the lilly-pad seed pod is that it somewhat resembles a wasp nest.

[@grossscienceshow]

+Yeah Right Interesting! It does resemble one. I hadn't thought of that.

[@flatulenceone]

+Gross Science : And cells of this size would suggest large larvae from a large wasp.

[@elpidiosanchez5919]

I think I have trypophobia cause it always freaks me out when I see things with many holes. I actually ask and friends if they can keep images of things like it away from me.

[@PeacefulOscar]

I'd like to say that I find your show fascinating. How about an episode about getting "cured" from disgust/phobia?

[@grossscienceshow]

+PeacefulOscar Great idea! Thank you!

[@sophiajune546]

Is anyone not trypophobic?? Everyone I have met (myself included) feel uncomfortable around holes.

[@angelramireznunez]

Same

[@chewedupgum7024]

im not

[@corruptiongaming652]

i think i have tryphophobia! yay! sometimes hen i see holes that are like that (especially like the ones in oranges, where it looks like things coming out) it makes me get disgusted. so its more of a disgust of holes lol.

[@patrickmccurry1563]

My trypophobia doesn't make me afraid so much as angry. It makes we feel an intense need to tear it apart, to gouge out anything that appears within the hole, especially dark dots.

[@grownwoman777]

That's just what I blame for me being disgusted from lil pack of holes cuz it automatically throws my memory back to botfly and maggot popping out of animal skins which is just satisfying but puking gross. And since I don't feel freaked out from certain or similar looking patterns I can't say I'm trypophobic

[@ragnarox16]

Does beehives freak anyone else out?

[@SquirrelGrrl]

tryphophobia: the lotus flower pod doesn't really bother me, but pimento loaf and similar lunch meats give me the jibblies.

[@Windkisssed]

You did a great job! You have a wonderful screen presence. Despite the success and voluminous responses and questions... Its evident you have a passion for science and research!! Keep it up! You have a great channel!!! Lauri

[@grossscienceshow]

Oh gosh, thanks so much Lauri!

[@admiralcat3809]

Clusters of large holes is nothing to me but clusters of holes with irregular size disgusts me so much

[@DAS-Videos]

The seed pod sort of looks like a nest for bugs that might sting or bite us. A wasps nest or a dangerous ant nest.

[@torment4723]

I think the second explanation for Trypophobia is the true one. As when we see a case, our mind assumes those holes had to be dugged by something. Which is threatening.

[@DAS-Videos]

How in the world did caterpillars and some worms evolve to change into a flying bug? No one would ever believe such a thing existed if they didn't see it.

[@SureyD]

"See you soon. Ew." HOW DARE YOU "ew" US

[@grossscienceshow]

+Surey D (Ryddoo) It was 100% meant as a compliment.

[@xxxlittleGremlinxxx]

WARNING! Avert your gaze at the following durations of time: 3:14-3:17 and 3:45-3:50

[@sithembelemzamo3651]

was watching this frog that gives birth to little through holes on its back. my skin is so itchy cause of rash after seeing that video. how do i get rid of this phobia?

[@superiormeme2342]

I think the holes in wasp nest contributes to the fear of it

[@i0like0trains0kid]

I had trypophobia before i even knew what it was. As a kid I always saw the holes, like a lotus pod, and imagined skin with eggs in it! I couldn't believe it when I found out it was a wide phenomenon and lots of people thought the same thing!

[@skinnydavenport407]

Anna I hope you won't be offended by this, but since we were talking about the disgust response, would you be willing to investigate why some people react with disgust to uncircumcised men even though foreskin is a normal body part? This could be an interesting insight on whether disgust is really biological mechanism or a learned behavior (i.e. people who are used to seeing foreskin don't usually find it gross). In fact this often maligned body part does have a purpose. I was curious if you might be interested in doing a video on that. Love your videos! Very educational and informative.

[@notenoughpaper]

does the Whoops! refer to the microphone or something else??

[@oscargordon]

+fishlinCYT I'm sure it was just the microphone as it is considered bad form to have your microphone, cables, or light stands visible.

[@grossscienceshow]

The microphone :)

[@notenoughpaper]

And i thought something else... i guess this comment is "a lerned behavior"

[@dezanaygrier6552]

Lol I thought that that plant was a pizza.

[@aliyahabrahams2071]

I can't believe I'm actually about to do this to myself, watching a video that says trypophobia but here goes.

[@donov25]

That Trypophobia explanation falls apart because people aren't repulsed by those poisonous animals. Just close together holes.

[@GlytcheD]

For me it's not the holes that bother me, it's if something is in the hole or created it... like for instance a maggot that's buried itself in a body and slightly poking out... heeegh *shivers*

[@YourHomieJC]

yay you did my question! am I special now? ;_;

[@grossscienceshow]

+Job Koppenol You were already special :) Thanks again for the great question! (And sorry if I mispronounced your name!)

[@YourHomieJC]

+Gross Science

[@MrLilven]

there's this line from the bookshelf in the upper side of the video that bugs me so much i want to crop it out

[@cthulhu472]

boogers can also be trapped dust that builds up, i knew a man who worked in a coal mine and when he wipes his nose it comes out black from the coal residue eww

[@cindypi2994]

I have trypophobia, and I start scratching my self like crazy... I turned really red lol

[@robclippo1161]

The thing that I can't stand the most are those photoshopped maggot holes on people and those frogs that grow their babies in their backs. I almost feel like I'm going to pass out.

[@jordenrante6884]

So thats why i get goosebumps whenever i see little holes.

[@nerdnation1076]

The thing is I do have Trypophobia but don't. I'm fine by seeing it ( except on skin 😖 ) but I would never ever touch something like that, but also depends like on plastic/ golfball.

[@camgood2437]

what you said about the infected skin is exactly why I am slightly disturbed by the honeycomb🍯 shape! It reminds me so vividly of those disgusting medical pictures you can look up for various extreme skin conditions.. I'm not terribly afraid of the shape, so to speak, but I do find it a bit disturbing.. more so than any other geometric shape, I guess.. great video! I love your channel!

[@bobferrari9924]

Can you get sick from boogers, say laying around on blankets, after my kids just picked their nose? Thanks! Love your channel!

[@grossscienceshow]

Ha, I mean, being in contact with someone else's snot could get you sick... but I'm guessing you don't have much of a way to escape this particular booger onslaught :) Good luck, Bob. And thanks!

[@AndreaszTP]

I don't know, I get chicken skin when I see those patterns but it kind of satisfying at the same time so I don't look away from it.

[@asho345]

So could you put snot all over your face as a facial? I mean, people do put snail mucus on their face.

[@lindaharrison3240]

You have got to go see the Suriname Toad with its unhatched babies on its back if you have trypophobia. You can't look away!!

[@quoiquand2888]

You just made me more aware of holes

[@kop7125]

How fungi forms on our scalp and makes white flakes which that's the fungi itself.

[@rjpena6273]

I thought the thumbnail was a pepperoni pizza floating on water. XD

[@babatulani6361]

I legitimately thought that the thumbnail is a pepperoni pizza.

[@suuny8224]

When you're trypophobic but you still watch it

[@crackpapa_]

Never thought of the fear of holes. Hmmmm but if you would be in some sort of cave and you barely see anything and right in front of you appears a hole that seems bottomless, yeah than I would be scared too :D -but I thought nothing about little holes or the pattern of smaller holes when I saw things that have many small holes, like large honeycombs or porous stones or many barnacles found under stones at the sea or similar like that. I actually love the look of honeycoombs lol and barnacles look awesome too haha

[@SimplyMayaBeauty]

OH! You answered my question! Thank you so much! :D

[@sweetieblue6108]

Are you sure thats true. I let my cats smell a banana I was eating and they clearly didn't like it. Or you've seen animals with lemons or limes which they clearly responded in a eww manor.

[@cielphantomhive9725]

bugs and insects are delicacy in some part of the Philippines

[@dionaeamuscipula6649]

2:29 It looks like someone took a picture with an electron microscope

[@pinkpineapple9663]

My fat ass thought the thumbnail was a pepperoni pizza

[@jianyuhua]

I’m having goosebumps when I’m looking at the skin picture, omg I feel sick, OOOMG

[@hayman122]

I have this you may have this too if you saw what u saw more than a few years ago I think it was a picture nit going to describe it but it was bad

[@alexandrayla]

Why do joints or our spines crack?

[@thezdude8512]

Air pockets releasing air quickly, making a popping sound.

[@lemonyfish3303]

I didn't know that boogers are made of dried off snot I thought it was just dust that went into our nose

[@GrenadaLovee]

Those Holes That Are Close Makes Me Itch

[@Botruc]

I really enjoy your videos!! Keep up the good work!

[@grossscienceshow]

+Botruc Thank you so much!

[@penand_paper5112]

Ever heard of kiviaq? Exactly

[@melchristopherramos5236]

So ppl with trypophobia dont wear crocs?coz they afraid of holes

[@veganchaatparty]

Thank you Anna...

[@kuonyuu4065]

I don't really have trypophobia, but I am feeling sick each time I see a lot of something crowding in one place, such as ants, or humans (looking from above), or anything else in large number in small view A friend of mine disgusted by the sight of traditional cake here which have a lot of holes and said because she has trypophobia, but I am fine with it and I eat it. I wonder what happened on lol I have this since i was a kid xD

[@heythereitslivie383]

I absolutely love your channel, do you have a email address?? There are some cool things in my back yard I have some questions about!

[@isazhang5200]

why did I click on it I have trypophobia

[@ceciler.5671]

how is the clapping emoji spiritual?

[@chowdown]

For once trypophobia talk that doesn't show endless trigger pictures (though there were a few, ew).

[@maiyo2916]

First of all, why did u do that, I almost scratched the hell out of my arm because of the thumbnail 2nd of all I had to close my eyes to click the video to avoid having a neck cramp from rapid movements 😘 thx Gross science

[@NickDecarie]

Maybe not the best choice in shirt when talking about trypophobia

[@khavu9566]

What happens when we die?

[@StephanieeRnB]

Do one on Thalassaphobia ♡

[@kittykatgamer6668]

how is ear wax made?

[@WhoElseButZane]

very fascinating Video. i'm glad i discovered this channel

[@nehanetam3796]

what about eggs that we eat ??

[@toaster1229]

I was triggered when I saw the holes

[@Soulzjd2]

I am slightly disappointed ... I looked at the icon and thought 'OOH pepperoni pizza!? Whats gross about that' ... and alas the video was not about Pepperoni pizzas :( haha

[@CashWallet]

I watch her videos because I fell for her.. i think it's weird but I like u a lot and getting Interested more and more.. truly beautiful

[@ihavepotatobloodinmyveins9222]

I have trypophobia and that photo made me feel like I wanted to curl up

[@JessicaHuangTheQuetzalKirin]

I'm lurking in the comment section to avoid that lol

[@stacipeavler5463]

Am the only one that was loving the video until 2:48

[@rocketgrunthyunho]

I think it just looks like a rash and rashes are no bueno

[@MohanRaj-lu2hd]

Tell someone thing about corona viruses

[@calyblogs]

I really like the tone of your voice more when you're unscripted!

[@paulkusmer1585]

excellent presentation re: boogers, wax n holes. your doing a fine job!

[@veeviokieplays6922]

Tripo doesn't bother me I could look at it all day

[@yanglai]

I have two classmates that have trypophobia Dx

[@seanaldrichsiruno6033]

I thought the thumbnail was a pizza XD

[@giuseppedalessandro2897]

every time i watch your video i itch all over my body .... thanx hahaha

[@Szobiz]

I find even strawberry disgusting

[@yerikyun1384]

when i hear _trypophobia_ all i feel are holes on my skin and i just wanna scratch the hell out of it and dig in it and while doing that i just want to puke. Gross :)

[@RandomPerson-ww6kk]

*aw sheet here we go again*

[@emaduddin1212]

I like Gross Science !

[@grossscienceshow]

Yay! Thanks!

[@emaduddin1212]

😀😀😀😀

[@resya2669]

who else here doesn't have trypophobia?

[@carlosfernandez5833]

Hagfish? More like GAGfish...

[@antoniogarza5630]

I have trypohobia