Whales and dolphins don't sneeze like humans. Instead, they clear their blowholes by blasting out air at speeds up to 300 mph.

Cetaceans like the blue whale and humpback whale possess a specialized respiratory system designed for life in the ocean. When these mammals surface, they must exchange up to 90% of the air in their lungs in a fraction of a second. This explosive exhalation can reach speeds of 480 kilometers per hour, which is roughly 300 miles per hour. This force is necessary to ensure that no water enters the lungs during the subsequent inhalation.The visible 'spout' or 'blow' is not actually liquid water from the lungs. It is a combination of condensing water vapor, mucus, and oil droplets. As the warm air from the lungs meets the cooler outside air, it condenses rapidly. This biological material, often called 'whale snot,' contains a wealth of data regarding the animal's physiological state. Researchers from institutions like the Ocean Alliance have pioneered the use of 'SnotBots,' which are modified drones designed to fly through these plumes.By collecting these samples, scientists can analyze stress hormones like cortisol and reproductive hormones like progesterone. This method is far less invasive than traditional skin biopsies or blood tests. Studies published in journals such as 'Royal Society Open Science' have demonstrated that this data helps track the impact of human noise and climate change on whale populations. This technology allows for long-term monitoring of endangered species without interrupting their natural behaviors.