What Makes Zebra Cows and Teflon Food Winners of the Latest Science Awards?

The Ig Nobel Prizes celebrate quirky yet thought-provoking scientific research, showcasing the lighter side of academia. This year's winners include innovative studies such as using Teflon to reduce calorie intake and painting cows to deter flies, offering unconventional solutions to real-world problems.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from the 2023 Ig Nobel Prizes

• Teflon may help reduce calorie intake by sliding through the digestive system.
• Painting cows with stripes can significantly reduce fly bites and pesticide use.
• A study revealed rainbow lizards prefer four-cheese pizza over other toppings.
• Drinking alcohol could enhance foreign language speaking abilities.
• The literature prize recognised a unique study on thumb nail growth over decades.

The Ig Nobel Awards: An Overview

Presented annually by the Annals of Improbable Research, the Ig Nobel Prizes honour scientific achievements that first amuse and then provoke deeper thought. Founded by Marc Abrahams, these awards aim to highlight research that, while seemingly absurd, often sheds light on important issues in a humorous manner. This year's ceremony took place at Boston University, celebrating a range of unusual yet genuine scientific inquiries.

Innovative Research on Calorie Intake

The Chemistry Prize was awarded to a team from the US and Israel for their inventive research on utilising Teflon, a non-stick coating, to potentially reduce calorie intake. The study proposed that food coated in Teflon would pass through the digestive system without contributing calories, as it would be excreted without being absorbed.

However, researchers faced scepticism from regulatory bodies. Rotem Naftalovich from Rutgers University commented that the concept was deemed "wonky," reflecting the challenges of introducing unconventional ideas into mainstream science.

Creative Solutions to Pest Control

Meanwhile, the Biology Prize went to a Japanese team for their research demonstrating that painting cows with black and white stripes significantly reduced the number of fly bites. This finding presents an intriguing alternative to traditional pesticide use, aligning with growing concerns over chemical exposure in agriculture.

The researchers explained that flies are attracted to livestock due to multiple factors, including smell, shape, and colour. The contrasting stripes disrupt the flies' visual perception, making it harder for them to target the animals. Tomoki Kojima, one of the researchers, expressed pride in their work, highlighting its potential to enhance livestock welfare while reducing pesticide reliance.

Other Noteworthy Ig Nobel Winners

The Ig Nobel Prizes also recognised several other fascinating studies across various disciplines:

Physics: The Science of Pasta Sauce

A predominantly Italian research team received the Physics Prize for investigating the cooking conditions under which cacio e pepe sauce becomes clumpy and separates. Their findings could help home chefs and culinary professionals maintain the ideal texture of this classic dish.

Nutrition: Lizard Tastes

In a rather surprising turn, a group of scientists earned the Nutrition Prize for discovering that rainbow lizards in Togo have a distinct preference for four-cheese pizza. This study not only entertains but also provides insights into the dietary habits of these reptiles.

Paediatric Insights on Garlic

Two American paediatricians were honoured for their research revealing that when mothers consume garlic, it influences the flavour of their breastmilk, making it more appealing to infants. This intriguing finding suggests a fascinating dynamic between maternal diet and baby preferences.

Alcohol and Language Skills

The Ig Nobel Peace Prize was awarded for research indicating that consuming alcohol can enhance an individual’s ability to speak a foreign language, specifically Dutch. This study offers a light-hearted examination of how substances can influence cognitive function and communication.

Fruit Bats and Impairment

In a related vein, research into fruit bats demonstrated that alcohol consumption negatively impacts their ability to fly and echolocate. This work highlights important considerations regarding wildlife and environmental health.

Literature: A Unique Study on Nail Growth

The literature prize was posthumously awarded to William Bean, a medical historian who spent 35 years documenting the growth of his thumbnail. His dedication to such a singular subject underscores the humour and depth that can be found in scientific inquiry.

The Significance of the Ig Nobel Prizes

While the Ig Nobel Prizes are often viewed as humorous, they serve a vital purpose in science communication. By celebrating unconventional research, they encourage curiosity and creativity, proving that even the most absurd studies can yield meaningful insights. As Karen Hopkin, a biochemist and creator of the Studmuffins of Science calendar, noted, the prizes not only provide entertainment but also spark discussions about the boundaries of scientific exploration.

Conclusion: The Power of Humour in Science

The Ig Nobel Prizes remind us that science is not just about serious inquiry but also about creativity and humour. By presenting research in a light-hearted manner, these awards encourage a broader audience to engage with scientific topics. As we continue to face complex challenges, the innovative spirit showcased by this year’s winners may inspire future breakthroughs.

What unconventional research might we see in the future, and how could it change our understanding of the world? The possibilities are endless. #IgNobelPrizes #ScienceHumour #InnovativeResearch

FAQs

What are the Ig Nobel Prizes?

The Ig Nobel Prizes are awarded annually to celebrate unusual and humorous scientific research that first makes people laugh and then think, highlighting the lighter side of science.

Who founded the Ig Nobel Prizes?

Marc Abrahams, the founder of the Annals of Improbable Research, established the Ig Nobel Prizes to promote creativity and humour in scientific inquiry.

How are the winners selected?

Winners of the Ig Nobel Prizes are chosen based on their ability to inspire laughter and thought through their unique and often whimsical research findings.

What types of research have been recognised in the past?

The Ig Nobel Prizes have honoured a wide range of studies, from the physics of pasta sauce to the effects of garlic on breastmilk, showcasing the diversity of scientific exploration.

Are the Ig Nobel Prizes serious awards?

While the Ig Nobel Prizes are meant to be humorous, the research they celebrate is legitimate and often contributes valuable insights to various fields of study.