Weird Science Wows At Ig Nobels

It may not cure cancer or resolve global conflict, but a unique way to eliminate hiccups using latex gloves and K-Y jelly has proven Nobel-worthy.

At the “16th First Annual Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony,” Francis M. Fesmire ’81 won for his medical case report, “Termination of Intractable Hiccups with Digital Rectal Massage.”

Over 1,200 people gathered in Sanders Theater as genuine Nobel Laureates, Ig Nobel recipients, and other “ignitaries” participated in this year’s ceremony honoring achievements that “make people laugh, and then make them think.”

The night’s sponsor, the science humor magazine “Annals of Improbable Research,” distributed awards for everything from research which proved that dung beetles are “finicky eaters” to an exploration of why woodpeckers do not get headaches.

“I’m a true supporter of the Ig Nobels because I want to inspire the general public about science, and making it fun is a great way to do it,” said Nic J. Svenson, who was rewarded for her research which estimated how many group photos need to be taken in order to get a good one.

Other projects were also inspired by researchers’ own daily frustrations.

Literature winner Daniel Oppenheimer won for his report “Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective of Necessity: Problems with Using Long Words Needlessly.”

Oppenheimer’s short acceptance speech showed he had clearly learned from his findings.

“My research shows conciseness is interpreted as intelligence,” Oppenheimer said. “So thank you.”

Between live “moments of science” demonstrations, a “Win-A-Date-With-a-Nobel-Laureate” contest, and a new mini-opera entitled “Inertia Makes the World Go Round,” the ceremony found time to recognize past Ig Nobel celebrities.

2003 winner C.W. Moeliker, who documented the first scientifically recorded case of homosexual necrophilia in the mallard duck, was on hand along with Lisa R. Danielson and William L. Sefanov who were married at the 2001 complexity-themed Ig Nobels.

With annual traditions like the launching of paper airplanes constructed from science homework and ceremony programs, the Ig Nobels work to emphasize the lighter side of science. While they may not command the clout of the real Nobel Prizes, they have come to play an important role in the scientific community.

“I think the Ig Nobels are a really fun, exciting way to bring the physics community together with rest of the science community,” said Limor S. Spector ‘07, the co-president of Harvard’s Society of Physics Students. “From a physics perspective, it gets students excited about research.”

Vinita M. Alexander ’07 also enjoyed the integration of humor and science.

“It was enjoyable and entertaining to see science could be weird and funny too,” Alexander, who is also a Crimson editor, said.

Master of Ceremonies and “Annals of Improbable Research” editor, Marc A. Abrahams, ended the night with his annual closing remark, “If you didn’t win an Ig Nobel prize tonight—and especially if you did—better luck next year.”

No one left the ceremony empty handed. Winners and losers alike were treated to complimentary “Dr. Fran’s Anti-Hiccup Kits,” complete with surgical gloves and K-Y jelly.