The Origin: How it started
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The story began when a TikTok user from Panama known as @kinpanama (or “Kin” in reports) started posting videos claiming to have found a meteorite in his backyard in the
. (VICE) - In his videos, the “meteorite” initially appears as a metallic rock-like object. Over time, it seems to ooze a greenish-yellow substance, then darken into a sticky black coating, and eventually sprout tentacle-like structures that writhe and pulse — much like the Marvel character Venom. (www.ndtv.com)
- He claims the object gives off a burning smell, and that when he tried to get universities or scientists to examine it, he was ignored. (www.ndtv.com)
- The video series has been referred to by some as “Venomkin,” a blending of “Venom” + “Kin.” (VICE)
Thus, the person uploading the videos is generally identified as Kin (TikTok account @kinpanama). (VICE)
The public reaction & viral spread
- The videos quickly went viral across TikTok, YouTube, and media outlets worldwide. News sites labelled the object “venom-like,” “symbiote,” and “alien.” (www.ndtv.com)
- Some commentators and social media users leapt to the possibility of real alien life, while others voiced strong skepticism and asked for proof. (www.ndtv.com)
- The story’s resemblance to science fiction — especially to Venom and symbiote tropes — made it especially shareable and sensational.
Scientific & Skeptical Responses: What might actually be going on
Given the extraordinary claims, many scientists, materials experts, and skeptical observers have weighed in. Below are the leading alternative explanations and critiques.
1. Polymer / chemical swelling mechanism (hoax theory)
- One popular explanation comes from a Reddit user HighStrangeness, who proposes that the “alien” is a silicone-based polymer (e.g. polydimethylsiloxane or PDMS), combined with a volatile solvent like hexane. (VICE)
- The idea is that when the polymer absorbs (or interacts with) the solvent, it swells and contracts unevenly. These expansions and contractions (sometimes called swelling-induced snapping) can produce jerky motions or a “breathing” effect that mimic living movement. (VICE)
- Because PDMS is used in soft robotics, flexible devices, and special effects, the materials and behaviors are not unknown; thus, a skilled hoaxer could exploit them for effect. (MalwareTips Forums)
- The black coloration, slime appearance, and film editing (lighting, cuts, camera angles) can all amplify the illusion of life. (VICE)
This is considered the strongest non-biological explanation by many skeptics. (Colombia One)
2. Strange fungus / biological artifact
- Some observers note that the tendril-like growths resemble fungal fruiting bodies, especially the “Devil’s Fingers” or Clathrus archeri (also known as “Octopus Stinkhorn”): when mature, they produce tendrillike arms that can look alien. (MalwareTips Forums)
- However, typical fungi do not spontaneously emerge from a space rock, especially in that dramatic form; placing a fungus inside or beside a staged “meteor” shell might be part of a hoax. (El Adelantado)
3. Major red flags & logical problems
- No independent verification: There are no credible scientific institutions that have produced lab results confirming the claims. (www.ndtv.com)
- Deleted or altered content: Some videos in the series were removed or edited after skeptics started analyzing them, which raises suspicion. (El Adelantado)
- Inconsistencies in story: The uploader’s descriptions and claims (temperature, smell, behavior) are not internally consistent. (www.ndtv.com)
- Unrealistic science: For a meteorite to land and then host an organism with complex structure, many hurdles exist: atmospheric heating, sterilization, viability of life inside a rock under cosmic conditions, exposure to Earth’s environment, etc. Many scientists say the thermal and physical stresses of atmospheric entry would kill any life on or in the meteorite. (El Adelantado)
Given all this, most scientific observers regard the phenomenon as a hoax or viral stunt, rather than proof of extraterrestrial life.
Conclusion
While the Panama “alien meteorite” story is fascinating and visually compelling, the evidence falls far short of what would be required to declare the discovery of extraterrestrial life.
- The uploader, Kin (@kinpanama), is the only known source of the material. There is no corroborating evidence from labs or independent researchers.
- The polymer + solvent explanation is plausible and fits many observed features (jerky motion, swelling, coloration).
- The fungus theory is intriguing for visual similarity but doesn’t explain how it would come from a meteorite.
- The lack of verification, deleted footage, and internal contradictions point heavily toward a staged or crafted phenomenon intended to go viral.
Thus, the most reasonable conclusion today is: a viral hoax, likely using materials science or clever staging, rather than a genuine alien life form.
Credit: TikTok / @kinpanama