Scientific research allows us to understand the way the world, our mind and bodies work, paving the way to new discoveries. Some experiments conducted by scientists answer those strange questions that we often think of, such as can a person really slip on a banana peel?
When Japanese researchers explored this very question, the findings were no joking matter. The researchers proved that it is possible to actually slip on a banana peel. No monkeying around—banana peels decrease the friction under a shoe's sole by one-fifth, making it entirely possible to slip on a peel.
The banana peel research won the physics prize during Thursday's 24the annual Ig Nobels, a celebration designed to highlight the absurd and unusual in science, medicine and technology by honoring those who "first make people laugh, and then make them think."
Health and medical researchers from Kitasato University in Japan tested a dozen banana peels and found that a gel released from stepping on them creates a friction that is similar to the slipperiness of skis on snow. "The lubricating ability of banana skin can be proved excellent," the team says.
Held at Harvard University's Sanders Theatre, dozens of scientists received awards from Nobel Prize winners. Food was the theme this year, with studies on how cured pork could stop a nose bleed and on what happens in the brain when people see Jesus in a slice of toast, among the top winners.
Published in the journal Cortex, researchers from China and Canada explored the Jesus toast phenomenon of people "sighting" nonexistent faces called face pareidolia. Participants were shown a series of "pure-noise images" that were described as either pictures of faces or letters. 34 percent of the participants reported seeing faces, whereas 38 percent reported seeing letters.
The study found that certain parts of the brain contain a "network" that allows us to see faces in images that aren't really there. The Jesus toast research was awarded the top neuroscience prize.
The public health prize went to a study investigating whether or not it is mentally unhealthy for humans to own a cat. Researchers explored whether or not it is dangerous to be affectionate with cats because their waste contains the Toxoplasma gondii parasite that is linked to schizophrenia, suicidal behavior and brain cancer. Healthy women with the parasite were found to feel less guilty, but more impatient.
Another nonfood related award was given to psychology researchers from England and Australia who found that cheaters are more likely to be night owls, using "low light" and "limited monitoring" to do their dirty deeds.
The annual celebration highlighted that science can be light and fun, while still being educational.
