BOSTON (AP) — A series of unconventional studies were celebrated on Thursday at the 35th annual Ig Nobel Prize ceremony, held at Boston University. Researchers from around the globe were recognized for their whimsical yet insightful contributions to science, highlighting the humorous side of academic exploration.

Creative Solutions to Real Problems

Among this year’s honored recipients were a group of researchers from Japan who explored whether painting cows with zebra-like stripes could deter pesky flies from biting them. The lead researcher, Tomoki Kojima, shared his excitement about winning the award, which he described as his “dream.” During the ceremony, he sported a striped outfit, surrounded by fellow researchers playfully engaging with cardboard flies.

The results of their intriguing experiment indicated that the painted cows attracted fewer flies and appeared less distressed by them, although Kojima acknowledged the potential challenges of rolling out this solution on a larger scale.

Honoring Eccentric Discoveries

This year’s winners were lauded in ten categories, including a European team that found consuming alcohol might enhance a person’s proficiency in speaking a foreign language, as well as a researcher who dedicated decades to studying fingernail growth.

“Every great discovery ever, at first glance, seemed screwy and laughable,” explained Marc Abrahams, the ceremony’s master of ceremonies and editor of the Annals of Improbable Research. “The Ig Nobel Prizes celebrate ALL these discoveries because at first glance, who really knows?”

An Evening of Laughter and Learning

The atmosphere was lively, with an opening tradition where audience members threw paper airplanes at the stage. For those who couldn’t attend, Nobel laureates read speeches on their behalf, including Esther Duflo, a Nobel Prize winner renowned for her experimental approach to alleviating global poverty.

The evening included a mini-opera about the challenges faced by gastroenterologists, inspired by this year’s theme: digestion. Performers humorously recounted the trials of treating stomach ailments, often accompanied by patients bringing pizza and chili dogs.

Innovations in 24 Seconds

A segment known as the “24-second lecture” allowed top researchers to succinctly share their work. Fun highlights included Gus Rancatore, who spent his time licking an ice cream cone while cheerfully exclaiming “yum,” and Trisha Pasricha, who discussed her study on the risks of using smartphones in the restroom and its association with hemorrhoids.

As the evening progressed, a man in a dress over his suit would approach any winner who was taking too long to speak, exclaiming, “Please stop. I’m bored.” This entertaining touch added to the lighthearted nature of the event.

A Spotlight on Unique Research Topics

Among the diverse awardees were an Indian research team that examined the effects of foul-smelling shoes on user experiences with shoe racks, and scientists from the U.S. and Israel who investigated whether consuming Teflon would increase food volume. A notable study by international scientists explored the effects of alcohol on bats, revealing that these creatures struggle with flight and echolocation after consuming fermented fruit.

“The bats got drunk similarly to what happens to us,” remarked Francisco Sanchez, a researcher from Colombia. “When you consume ethanol, your movement slows, and your speech can become impaired.”

A Day in the Life of Pasta Sauce

Another highlight was a team of researchers who delved into the physics of pasta sauce. Their acceptance speech featured one researcher dressed as a chef, sporting a fake mustache, while another wore a costume mimicking a large ball of mozzarella cheese, humorously engaging with wooden cookware enthusiasts. The event concluded with them distributing bowls of pasta to the esteemed Nobel laureates.

The Ig Nobel Prizes, organized by the Annals of Improbable Research, aim to stimulate laughter and thought. These quirky discoveries remind us that even the most outlandish ideas can lead to valuable insights, underscoring the joy and curiosity inherent in scientific exploration.