The Shnobel Prize, known for its sense of humor and absurdity, once again delighted its audience. Unlike the prestigious Nobel Prize, the Schnobel Prize ceremony recognizes the most bizarre and comical research.
During the 33rd ceremony, which took place in an online format, awards were presented to researchers who answered questions such as: “How much do students and teachers miss classes?” “To what extent does stirring water in the ocean depend on the sexual activity of anchovies?” “Will a passerby stop and look up if there is a group of people doing the same?” and “Is there a need for toilets that analyze our excrement and identify us based on photographs of our anuses?”
Among the winners:
- Chemistry and geology: Jan Zalasevich, who explained why many scientists enjoy licking stones. Article: “Eating Fossils”.
- Literature: Chris Mulin and colleagues, for their study on the sensation experienced by individuals when they repeatedly repeat a single word. Article: “The Thes of Jamais Vu in the Laboratory: Word Alienation and Semantic Satiation.”
- Mechanical engineering: Faye Jap and their team, for utilizing deceased spiders as mechanical capture devices. Article: “Necrobotics: Biotic Materials as Ready-to-use Actuators.”
- Public Health: Son-Min Park, inventor of the STANFORD toilet that analyzes human excrement. Article: “A mountable toilet system for personalized Health Monitoring Via The Analysis of Excreta.”
- Communications: Maria Jose Torres-Prioris and colleagues, who studied the mental activity of individuals speaking backwards. Article: “Neurocognitive Signatures of Phonemic Sequencing in Expert Backward Speakers.”
Many other recipients were also recognized during the ceremony. A recording of the entire event is available for viewing, offering an opportunity for everyone to boost their mood.