Quirky Research Takes Center Stage at 2024 Ig Nobel Awards
The annual Ig Nobel Prizes – celebrating research that makes people laugh, then think – have been awarded, highlighting studies ranging from the effects of alcohol on Dutch language skills to methods of preventing cows from taking flight. The awards,presented Thursday,recognize genuinely innovative work,albeit frequently enough with an unconventional bent.
This year’s winners tackled a diverse array of questions. Researchers discovered that individuals speaking a foreign language perform better after consuming a moderate amount of alcohol, potentially easing interaction anxieties. Another study explored the surprisingly effective tactic of painting patterns on cows to deter them from becoming airborne – a real concern for Dutch farmers. And, in a finding sure to delight reptile enthusiasts, scientists persistent the bearded dragon lizard exhibits a clear preference for pizza as a dietary staple.
Among other honored studies: Marcin Zajenkowski and Gilles Gignac’s research revealed that telling narcissists they are smart amplifies their self-perception,while negative feedback has a disproportionately larger impact. Vikash Kumar and Sarthak Mittal developed a UV-C light-equipped shoe rack to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. A team of researchers found that Egyptian fruit bats avoid overly ripe, ethanol-rich fruit, likely due to impaired flight and echolocation. research indicated that adding Teflon powder to food (a 3:1 ratio) can increase feelings of fullness without adding calories,and is safe for consumption.
The Ig Nobel Prizes, organized by the Annals of Improbable Research, are a playful counterpart to the Nobel Prizes, aiming to spark public interest in science and celebrate the unexpected.
Bron: CNN, AP Ars Tehcnica
