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Although throwing up may not be the most appealing subject for a list, the act of vomiting is more fascinating than you might imagine. Researchers and experts have made many captivating discoveries by studying both humans and animals in the midst of their heaving.
Vomit has played a crucial role in scientific breakthroughs, such as helping scientists in Ecuador identify a new species of ant, allowing researchers in Utah to investigate ancient diets, and even bringing a windfall to a fishing crew in Yemen. Isaac Newton was even convinced that frog vomit could cure the plague. This list dives into ten unusual things we’ve discovered thanks to the revolting substance that is vomit. Keep reading—if you can stomach it.
10. Sea Cucumbers Defend Themselves by Ejecting Vomit from Their Rear Ends
The animal kingdom is full of surprises. Creatures, both large and small, have developed all sorts of bizarre methods to ward off predators. Among the strangest of these is the sea cucumber, which fights back by expelling a sticky mess from its rear to deter attackers.
Sea cucumbers eject their internal organs, known as Cuvierian organs, from their rear ends to entangle and repel predators. As bizarre as it seems, it’s a highly effective defensive strategy. These stringy organs are made of proteins similar to spider silk, allowing them to latch onto and subdue marine threats. In some cases, sea cucumbers have even been known to kill attackers with their strange rear-end vomit.
9. Shark in Australia Vomits a Spiked Echidna
The echidna, often called the spiny anteater, is a peculiar creature. This medium-sized Australian mammal is covered in sharp quills. Definitely not what marine biologist Nicolas Lubitz anticipated finding in a tiger shark’s mouth.
Lubitz captured the shocking moment on film while studying sharks near the Orpheus Islands. Normally, echidnas are found in freshwater environments like lakes and rivers, so it’s unclear why this one ventured so far into the ocean. Lubitz believes that the shark’s discomfort from the echidna’s spines caused it to vomit.
‘It’s very rare for [tiger sharks] to vomit their prey, but they can sometimes do it when stressed,’ he explained. ‘In this case, I think the echidna must have just felt a bit uncomfortable in its throat.’
8. Two Years to Figure Out Why Woman Couldn't Stop Vomiting
In 2023, a medical team published a report on a woman who struggled with persistent vomiting. It took doctors two years to determine the cause of her illness. This 23-year-old frequently visited the hospital, and initially, doctors suspected her symptoms—nausea, abdominal pain, and uncontrollable vomiting—were related to a stomach condition. However, no abnormalities appeared in any of the scans.
So, how did the doctors finally reach a diagnosis? After conducting a urine test, they discovered that she regularly smoked cannabis. While cannabis can help reduce nausea in small doses, excessive use can cause a condition known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). After two years of uncertainty, doctors finally diagnosed her with CHS. Her constant sickness disappeared once she quit using marijuana for good.
7. House Fly Vomit Is Full of Disease
The common house fly is more dangerous to your health than you might think. Their insides often contain a mix of harmful viruses and bacteria. After feasting on trash and feces, they pick up all sorts of nasty diseases. Flies also vomit to break down their food. So, if a buzzing pest lands on something appetizing, you have no idea what harmful pathogens they might regurgitate.
Most people associate disease transmission with insects like mosquitoes or ticks, but scientists emphasize that non-biting house flies can be just as dangerous. A 2017 study revealed over 200 pathogens inside adult house flies. During the COVID pandemic, they were identified as potential carriers of SARS-CoV-2. This is why scientists advise keeping these filthy pests away from food and ensuring that meals aren’t left outside for too long.
6. Fossilized Vomit Offers Scientists a Peek into Prehistoric Diets
In the dark depths of an ancient pond, Jurassic predators occasionally feasted on small amphibians. How do we know this? From the preserved remnants of prehistoric vomit.
Scientists uncovered fossilized vomit in the Morrison Formation in southeast Utah. Though it might sound strange, this find provided valuable insights into the diets of ancient creatures. Among the preserved contents were tiny bone fragments—some just three millimeters long—from frogs, salamanders, and other unidentified creatures. While the exact origin of the vomit remains uncertain, evidence suggests that bowfin fish could be the culprits.
‘This fossil gives us a rare glimpse into the interactions of the animals in ancient ecosystems,’ said Utah museum curator John Foster. ‘There were three animals that we still have today, interacting in ways familiar to us—prey consumed by predators and predators possibly being chased by other predators.’
5. Pungent Clump of Whale Vomit Sells for $1.5 Million
Ambergris. Unless you're well-versed in marine biology, the term might not mean much to you. It doesn't look like much either—just an odd, waxy lump. But this substance, created in the intestines of sperm whales, can fetch a hefty price. In fact, a crew in Yemen recently found a 280-pound (127-kilogram) chunk worth approximately $1.5 million.
Whale vomit may be foul-smelling, but experts refer to it as ‘floating gold’ due to its rarity and high value. Ambergris is in high demand among perfumers. Luxury brands like Lanvin and Chanel use it to craft premium fragrances.
The Arabic crew stumbled upon their unusual treasure inside the stomach of a deceased sperm whale. The strong odor tipped them off that something was unusual, and they were pleasantly surprised to find the pricey vomit within. As one sailor told the BBC, ‘The smell wasn’t very nice, but it was worth lots of money.’
4. New Species of Ant Discovered in Frog Vomit
In 2016, scientists in Ecuador were excited to announce the discovery of a new ant species. This tropical insect was found in the stomach of a fire-colored devil frog, also known as diablito. Unfortunately, only one specimen was found—and it was already dead. Very little is known about this new species, but researchers believe they use their long mouths to capture food.
Wild frogs capture insects from places humans can’t reach. Using their vomit as a tool for ecological research may sound odd, but it’s surprisingly useful. Scientists flush the frogs’ stomachs with water and study what comes out. As lead researcher Christian Rabeling told National Geographic, ‘Sometimes people think that our world is very well-explored. Nothing could be farther from the truth.’
3. Shark Vomits Tattooed Arm, Leads to Murder Investigation
An intriguing story involving tattoos, murder, and shark vomit. On April 25, 1935, visitors at the Coogee Aquarium in Sydney were stunned to witness a tiger shark regurgitate a human arm. A distinct tattoo of two fighters identified the arm’s owner as James ‘Jimmy’ Smith.
Jimmy, an amateur boxer, was also notorious for his ties to Sydney’s criminal world. He had recently fallen out with drug smuggler Reginald Holmes over a scam. The last time Jimmy was seen alive, he was drinking and gambling with another shady figure, Patrick Brady.
It is believed that shortly after, Jimmy was murdered, his body dismembered, and dumped into Gunnamatta Bay as a ‘Sydney send-off.’ A tiger shark consumed the arm, only to be captured and taken to the aquarium.
The police grew increasingly suspicious of Brady and Holmes. On May 20, a distraught Holmes took his speedboat out, armed with a gun, and attempted to end his life. However, he failed and ended up in a frantic police chase around the harbor. Both Holmes and Brady blamed one another for the murder, but on the day of the trial, Holmes was found with three bullets in his chest. Despite suspicions surrounding Brady, the murder of Jimmy Smith remains unsolved.
2. Pig Vomit Toxin Helps Uncover Meteorite’s Origins
In 1929, a Martian meteorite was discovered in the biology department at Purdue University, but no one could explain how it had arrived there. The mystery of the Lafayette meteorite puzzled researchers for almost a century. They initially assumed it had been donated by a Black student, but no one knew when or by whom. That is, until 2022, when Dr. Aine O’Brien from Glasgow finally solved the mystery of its elusive donor.
Dr. O’Brien used mass spectrometry to analyze the rock and found organic compounds. Among the many chemicals, one stood out: vomitoxin. Although its name might sound unpleasant, vomitoxin occurs naturally in corn and wheat. Produced by fungi, this toxin can cause nausea when consumed in high doses, particularly in pigs.
Dr. O’Brien researched historic crop yields and fungus activity around Purdue University. This research led her to trace the meteorite's origins to two fireball sightings—one in 1919 and another in 1927. She then examined yearbooks to identify Black students who were enrolled during these years.
After two years of investigation, Dr. O’Brien narrowed down the potential donor to four candidates: Julius Lee Morgan, Clinton Edward Shaw, and Hermanze Edwin Fauntleroy, who were at Purdue in 1919, and Clyde Silance, who attended in 1927. She believes that one of these men may have found the Lafayette meteorite in a pond and donated it to the university. However, Dr. O’Brien admits the true story behind this remarkable gift may never be uncovered.
1. Isaac Newton Believed Toad Vomit Could Cure the Plague
Isaac Newton, one of the most influential scientists in history, had some curious ideas about curing the plague. His unpublished notes reveal that he believed powdered frog vomit could help eliminate the disease.
Newton wrote about plague remedies, stating, ‘The best method is to suspend a toad by its legs in a chimney for three days. It would eventually vomit up earth and insects into a dish of yellow wax and then die. Combining powdered toad with its excretions and serum, made into lozenges and worn around the affected area, would drive away the contagion and draw out the poison.’
These unconventional ideas were revealed in 2020 when the manuscript was sold at auction for $81,000.
