Mucin comparison (IMAGE) Michigan State University Caption Michigan State University researchers discovered that Staphylococcus aureus spreads more readily in the presence of proteins made by the mucus membrane called mucins. Credit Kristin Jacob, Ph.D. Usage Restrictions No restrictions License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.