Title: Unusual research awarded at the Ig-Nobel 2021 draws attention to the originality of science
Introduction :
Every year, the Ig-Nobel ceremony attracts attention with research that is both bizarre and fascinating. These prizes, which are a sort of anti-Nobel, reward studies that make people laugh, then make them think. The 2021 edition was no exception, with winners such as a geologist who explains why scientists like licking rocks and researchers who developed toilets that can analyze feces. In this article, we’ll explore some of the unusual research recognized at the ceremony and how it’s sparking public interest.
1. Licking stones: a passion of geologists
Geologist Jan Zalasiewicz from the University of Leicester won the chemistry and geology prize by explaining why many scientists like to lick stones. His study, titled “Eating Fossils,” highlights the fact that 18th-century geologists used the taste of pebbles to better identify them. Although it may seem strange, this method has proven to be a valuable tool in the field of geology.
2. Repeating words to the point of exhaustion
A group of international researchers were rewarded in the literature category for their study on the sensations experienced by people repeating the same word countless times. Their conclusion was that this repetition made something familiar singular, thus leading to a state of “never seen” rather than a feeling of “déjà vu”. This research raises interesting questions about how we perceive familiarity and the unfamiliar.
3. Revolutionary toilets that analyze stools
Seung-min Park of the US Stanford University won the public health prize for his toilet that can quickly analyze stools. This “Stanford toilet bowl” is equipped with a sensor that can recognize the anal print of each individual, thus making it possible to obtain precise information on digestive health. These toilets could play a vital role in the early detection of gastrointestinal illnesses.
4. Necrobotics: giving spiders new life
A team of Rice University researchers won the mechanical engineering prize for their work on “necrobotics.” This discipline consists of using animal parts in robots, in this specific case, dead tarantulas whose legs are reanimated to serve as pincers. This research opens new perspectives in the field of robotics and could lead to surprising technological advances.
Conclusion :
The 2021 Ig-Nobels have once again highlighted unusual but intriguing research, often carried out by scientists who dare to explore unexplored territories of knowledge. Although these studies may seem far-fetched, they are indicative of the creative spirit and curiosity that drives the scientific community. This research highlights the diversity of topics covered in the scientific field and raises fascinating questions about our perception of the world around us.