Ectoplasm is a term often associated with paranormal phenomena, particularly in the context of spiritualism. It refers to a substance or spiritual emanation that is said to exude from a medium during a séance, supposedly allowing spirits to communicate with the living. Scientifically, ectoplasm has no recognized basis, and its existence is widely considered a hoax or a product of illusion. In popular culture, ectoplasm is sometimes depicted in ghost stories and films, such as the "Ghostbusters" franchise.