homehome Home chatchat Notifications


World's most useless scientific discoveries [infographic]

Every year, the Ig Nobel Prize is awarded to ten lucky winners. To qualify, you need to publish research in a peer-reviewed journal that is considered "improbable": studies that make people laugh, but think at the same time.

Tibi Puiu
September 17, 2015 @ 4:45 am

share Share

Every year, the Ig Nobel Prize is awarded to ten lucky winners. To qualify, you need to publish research in a peer-reviewed journal that is considered “improbable”: studies that make people laugh, but think at the same time. This year, the 25th edition is happening today, September 17, when yet again some of the craziest, yet … somewhat useless research will be showcased. For those unfamiliar, just so you can get an idea, check out this compilation of previous Ig winners. Some of my personal favorites include the cow dung powered vanilla or the wasabi clock. Always remember though: there’s no such thing as totally useless research. Every once in a while, a worldshifter might grow out of a seemingly pointless study.

world's most useless research

share Share

A Soviet shuttle from the Space Race is about to fall uncontrollably from the sky

A ghost from time past is about to return to Earth. But it won't be smooth.

The world’s largest wildlife crossing is under construction in LA, and it’s no less than a miracle

But we need more of these massive wildlife crossings.

The Fat Around Your Thighs Might Be Affecting Your Mental Health

New research finds that where fat is stored—not just how much you have—might shape your mood.

Meet the Indian Teen Who Can Add 100 Numbers in 30 Second and Broke 6 Guinness World Records for Mental Math

The Indian teenager is officially the world's fastest "human calculator".

New Quantum Navigation System Promises a Backup to GPS — and It’s 50 Times More Accurate

An Australian startup’s device uses Earth's magnetic field to navigate with quantum precision.

Japan Plans to Beam Solar Power from Space to Earth

The Sun never sets in space — and Japan has found a way to harness this unlimited energy.

Could This Saliva Test Catch Deadly Prostate Cancer Early?

Researchers say new genetic test detects aggressive cancers that PSA and MRIs often miss

This Tree Survives Lightning Strikes—and Uses Them to Kill Its Rivals

This rainforest giant thrives when its rivals burn

Engineers Made a Hologram You Can Actually Touch and It Feels Unreal

Users can grasp and manipulate 3D graphics in mid-air.

Musk's DOGE Fires Federal Office That Regulates Tesla's Self-Driving Cars

Mass firings hit regulators overseeing self-driving cars. How convenient.