1998 Ig Nobel Biology Prize — The prize was awarded to Peter Fong of Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for contributing to the happiness of clams by giving them Prozac. The research is documented in the study “Induction and Potentiation of Parturition in Fingernail Clams (Sphaerium striatinum) by Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs),” Peter F. Fong, Peter […]
Category: Magazine (AIR)
Our magazine — the Annals of Improbable Research — all about research that makes people LAUGH, then THINK.
The Adventure of Winston Churchill’s Hernia
“Winston Churchill: Inguinal Hernia Repair on 11 June 1947,” by J. Allister Vale and John W. Scadding,” is one of the research studies featured in the article “Medical Research: Sarsaparilla, Nose, Churchill’s Hernia“, in the special Formulas & Recipes issue of the magazine (Annals of Improbable Research). Read the article online. And if you like, […]
The special FORMULAS & RECIPES issue of the magazine
The special FORMULAS & RECIPES issue (vol. 29, no. 3) of the magazine is now out and about. The table of contents and several of the articles are online. As you might guess, it’s full of improbable research about formulas, and also research about recipes. You might want to subscribe, or buy a copy of this issue, […]
‘Frozen Finger’ in Anal Fissures, Appreciated
“Acute anal fissures are usually managed by various invasive and non-invasive modalities ranging from simple lifestyle changes to chemical and surgical sphincterotomies. Frozen finger, prepared using a water-filled ordinary rubber glove, was successfully used in one hundred patients, thus providing a cost-effective and simple solution to the problem.” That’s a quote from the study ” […]
How much of a person is water?
“Total body water was determined by deuterium oxide dilution in 17 normal male subjects with a range of 55.9% to 70.2% and an average value of 61.8% of body weight. Eleven normal females ranged from 45.6% to 59.9% with an average of 51.9%, or 9.9% less than the males. These total body water figures have […]
The special WATER issue of the magazine (Improbable Research)
The special WATER issue (vol. 29, no. 2) of the magazine is now out and about. The table of contents and several of the articles are online. As you might guess, it’s full of improbable research about water.
Can’t Do That, Affixing-Eyes-to-Automobiles, 57 People and a Fake Food Buffet
Research studies about things people can’t do, about putting eyes onto the front of automobiles, and about 57 people and a fake-food buffet are featured in the “Improbable Research Review” column in the special Super-Advanced Theories issue (volume 29, number 1) of the magazine. You can read that article free online. Better still, buy a copy […]
Why Pipe Smokers’ Personalities Are Resistant to Cancer, Philosophically
Research studies about the Relation Between Pipe Smokers’ Personalities and Cancer; about Smoking and Drinking, Attractiveness and Addiction; and about 57 people; about a Heavily Bearded Philosopher in Women’s Underwear; and about the question “When Should Philosophers Sacrifice Utilitarians?” are featured in the “Super Advanced Theories: Philosophers and Smokers” column in the special Super-Advanced Theories issue […]
Research About Pluck and Bedbugs
Research studies about luck and about bedbugs are featured in the “Icky Cutesy Research” column in the special Rotation and Spinning issue (volume 28, number 5) of the magazine. You can read that article free online. Better still, buy a copy of the issue (it’s in PDF form). Or better better still, subscribe to the magazine!
All-in-One Research about Lights, Food, Rotating Chair, and Earmuffs
A research study about lights, food, a rotating chair, and earmuffs is featured the “May We Recommend” column in the special Rotation and Spinning issue (volume 28, number 5) of the magazine. You can read that article free online. Better still, buy a copy of the issue (it’s in PDF form). Or better better still, subscribe […]