The Anti-Rating of Science: 10 Most Absurd Studies — 2023 Ig Nobel Prize Winners

Every year, the Ig Nobel Prize honors research that "first makes people laugh, then makes them think." In 2023, scientists worldwide outdid themselves in absurdity. Here’s the top 10 most bizarre "achievements" of the year.





1. Chemistry & Geology Prize

Lick It to Understand It
Geologist Jan Zalasiewicz won for studying the ancient habit of scientists… licking rocks. Turns out, licking helps identify mineral composition (and yes, this is still practiced in geology).
Takeaway: Rocks can be tasty—if you’re a geologist.


2. Literature Prize

Songs That Infect Your Brain
Chris Moulin’s team proved: if a melody gets stuck in your head, blame "earworms," not your bad music taste. The simpler the rhythm, the longer it tortures you in the shower.
Life Hack: Sing "Happy Birthday" backward—it might work.


3. Mechanical Engineering Prize

Spider Grippers
Engineers from Rice University used dead spiders as robotic grippers. Arachnid legs are perfect for handling fragile objects.
Irony: Spiders that caught flies in life now catch Ig Nobels in death.


4. Public Health Prize

The Spy Toilet
Seung-min Park invented a "smart toilet" that analyzes urine and stool composition. The gadget promises to diagnose diseases while you… well, you get the idea.
Question: What if hackers target your toilet?


5. Communication Prize

Speaking Backward
Spanish researchers studied how people mentally reverse words. Turns out, the brain activates the same areas as when learning a foreign language.
Tip: Try saying "Lemonade" backward—maybe you’ll become a polyglot.


6. Nutrition Prize

Electric Chopsticks
Japanese scientists created electrified chopsticks and straws that alter food’s taste. A mild current enhances saltiness in soup or sweetness in desserts.
Future Menu: Batteries instead of salt shakers.


7. Education Prize

Boredom Science
A Hong Kong team measured boredom levels in students and professors. Result: The longer the lecture, the stronger the craving for coffee.
Pro Tip: Replace PowerPoint with stand-up comedy.


8. Psychology Prize

Why Do People Look Up?
A 1960s experiment was replicated in 2023: If one person stares at the sky, 40% of passersby join them—even if there’s nothing there.
Phrase of the Day: "Aliens are coming!" works every time.


9. Medicine Prize

Bacon vs. Nosebleeds
U.S. doctors proposed treating nosebleeds with… bacon. Pork strips absorb blood and, apparently, make patients happier.
Warning: Don’t try this with vegan bacon.


10. Physics Prize

Anchovy Sex Stirs the Ocean
Bieito Castro’s team discovered: Anchovy swarms during mating create turbulence comparable to a storm.
Moral of the Story: Even fish impact the climate.


Why Does This Matter?

The Ig Nobel Prize reminds us that science isn’t just formulas and labs. It’s curiosity, absurdity, and asking silly questions. Who knows—maybe "electric chopsticks" will combat obesity, or bacon will become a medical staple?




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Top 9 Pioneers in Human Factors Research: Bridging Humanity and Technology

Image
  Human Factors science explores how humans interact with systems, tools, and environments, aiming to optimize safety, efficiency, and well-being. Today, we celebrate   9 brilliant minds   whose work has reshaped our understanding of ergonomics, assistive technology, and human-centered design—especially in high-stakes fields like space exploration. 1. Donald Norman The Architect of User-Centered Design A cognitive scientist and co-founder of the Nielsen Norman Group, Norman transformed how we think about everyday interactions. His seminal book,  The Design of Everyday Things  (1988), introduced concepts like  affordances  (how objects suggest their use) and  signifiers  (clues that guide behavior). As Apple’s Vice President of Advanced Technology in the 1990s, he championed human-centric tech design, embedding empathy into Silicon Valley’s DNA. His later work on emotional design argues that aesthetics and joy are as critical as functionality....
Read more

Top 10 Scientists Whose Work Challenged Trump-Era Policies

Image
Science relies on evidence, not political ideology. These experts defended data-driven approaches in climate, public health, and environmental policy during Trump’s presidency. 1. Anthony Fauci Immunologist, Former Director of NIAID Publicly criticized Trump’s dismissal of COVID-19 science, including unproven claims about hydroxychloroquine. Fauci’s insistence on mask mandates and vaccine research clashed with Trump’s push for rapid reopening. 2. Michael Mann Climate Scientist, Creator of the "Hockey Stick Graph" Debunked Trump’s climate change denial. His research proved human activity drives modern warming, countering claims that climate change is a "hoax." 3. Katharine Hayhoe Climate Communicator, Chief Scientist at The Nature Conservancy Challenged Trump’s dismissal of climate science through public outreach. Her book Saving Us argues for science-based dialogue with skeptics. 4. Gina Mc...
Read more