Name: A science award that makes you laugh, then think
Uploaded: 2014-10-24T15:08:05Z
Duration: 13 min 3 s
Description: As founder of the Ig Nobel awards, Marc Abrahams explores the world's most improbable research. In this thought-provoking (and occasionally side-splitting) talk, he tells stories of truly weird science -- and makes the case that silliness is critical to boosting public interest in science.

As founder of the Ig Nobel awards, Marc Abrahams explores the world's most improbable research. In this thought-provoking (and occasionally side-splitting) talk, he tells stories of truly weird science -- and makes the case that silliness is critical to boosting public interest in science.

A science award that makes you laugh, then think

Unexpected research, like a bra that becomes an emergency mask or a rotating birth table, shows that humor and oddity can spark scientific interest. The Ig Nobel Prize celebrates work that makes people laugh, then think, awarding everything from woodpecker brain studies to experiments with socks on icy hills. Each quirky project reveals something real about the world, reminding us that even the most bizarre ideas can lead to meaningful insights. Celebrating the silly side of science keeps curiosity alive and brings more people into the conversation.