Regarding the 'alien' in Panama, there are some chemical reactions with certain compunds that could produce similar effects. I once watched a video of it and recently I read someone on X that mentioned the precise compound and reaction that would create what we see on the videos, including the actual movement of the thing. I haven't got the link though. If the guy has some knowledge of chemistry, then he's having a bit of fun with the audience. That would explain why in some videos he touches the 'alien' with his bare fingers, quite unconcerned about biological contamination.
