Meet the winners of the 2025 Ig Nobel Prize

Every year, the Ig Nobel Prizes capture the attention of those who appreciate the humorous side of scientific inquiry. This unique event showcases research that elicits laughter before prompting deeper reflection—a delightful blend of the absurd and the insightful. The 2025 ceremony, held virtually, highlighted an array of peculiar yet fascinating studies that challenge our understanding of the world.

The Ig Nobel Prizes, established in 1991, serve as a lighthearted parody of the prestigious Nobel Prizes. They celebrate "achievements that first make people laugh and then make them think," transforming the scientific landscape into a stage for creativity and humor. The award ceremony itself is anything but conventional, featuring miniature operas, engaging scientific demonstrations, and a unique format that requires researchers to explain their work in increasingly concise summaries: first in 24 seconds, then in just seven words. Acceptance speeches are similarly brief, limited to 60 seconds, ensuring that the focus remains on the humor and ingenuity of the research.

As part of the festivities, the winners engage in public talks in the weeks following the ceremony, offering insights into their research, which can often appear whimsical at first glance but are rooted in serious scientific merit. In the spirit of curiosity and fun, here are the winners of the 2025 Ig Nobel Prizes.

Biology: The Science of Zebra Stripes

Citation: Tomoki Kojima, Kazato Oishi, Yasushi Matsubara, Yuki Uchiyama, Yoshihiko Fukushima, Naoto Aoki, Say Sato, Tatsuaki Masuda, Junichi Ueda, Hiroyuki Hirooka, and Katsutoshi Kino, for their experiments to determine if painting cows with zebra-like stripes could reduce biting fly infestations.

Biting flies are notorious for causing distress among cattle, leading to increased stress and decreased productivity in dairy and meat production. The economic repercussions can be significant, as flies can affect grazing habits and ultimately milk and beef yields.

To explore a creative solution, researchers took inspiration from the zebra, an animal known for its distinctive stripe pattern. They conducted experiments on pregnant Japanese black cows, painting stripes on them with temporary water-based lacquer. The cows were divided into groups: some received zebra stripes, others just black stripes, and a control group had no stripes.

The results were illuminating. Cows adorned with zebra stripes experienced a notable reduction in fly landings and exhibited fewer signs of distress compared to their striped counterparts. This intriguing study suggests that the contrasting colors may disrupt the flies' ability to detect the animals. The researchers speculate that the stripes might affect how insects perceive motion, an avenue ripe for further exploration.

Chemistry: The Teflon Diet

Citation: Rotem Naftalovich, Daniel Naftalovich, and Frank Greenway, for experiments to assess whether incorporating Teflon into meals could promote feelings of fullness without adding calories.

The quest for ways to enhance satiety while maintaining a low-calorie diet has led to intriguing discussions around the potential of using non-digestible substances in food. This research proposes that Teflon, known for its non-stick properties, could serve as an additive that increases the volume of food without contributing to calorie intake.

While this concept may sound outlandish, the authors argue that Teflon is chemically inert and safe in controlled conditions. They propose a mixing ratio of three parts food to one part Teflon powder. However, concerns regarding consumer acceptance remain, as many might hesitate to incorporate a material commonly associated with cookware into their meals.

To support their claims, the researchers reference multiple studies demonstrating Teflon's safety in various applications, including medical devices. Despite their scientific backing, the acceptability of such an unconventional dietary approach poses significant challenges in consumer markets.

Physics: The Pasta Sauce Conundrum

Citation: Giacomo Bartolucci, Daniel Maria Busiello, Matteo Ciarchi, Alberto Corticelli, Ivan Di Terlizzi, Fabrizio Olmeda, Davide Revignas, and Vincenzo Maria Schimmenti, for their findings on the physics behind pasta sauce, particularly addressing clumping issues that detract from culinary appeal.

The popular dish "pasta alla cacio e pepe" is deceptively simple, combining tonnarelli pasta, pecorino cheese, and pepper. However, achieving the perfect creamy sauce without clumps can be tricky. Italian physicists investigated the underlying principles of this dish, hoping to demystify the preparation process.

Through their research, they discovered that utilizing corn starch in place of relying solely on the starch released during cooking significantly improves the sauce's texture. Their findings suggest precise ratios of starch to cheese, as well as optimal mixing techniques, can yield a consistently smooth sauce—an important advancement for culinary enthusiasts and chefs alike.

Engineering Design: Tackling Shoe Odor

Citation: Vikash Kumar and Sarthak Mittal, for analyzing the engineering challenges posed by foul-smelling shoes and their impact on shoe rack experiences.

Odor from shoes is a common issue that many face, leading to discomfort and embarrassment. This study investigated how shoe storage solutions could be improved to mitigate odors. The researchers conducted surveys among students, revealing that most individuals experience discomfort regarding shoe smells.

Responding to this challenge, the researchers designed a shoe rack equipped with UV-C light technology to eliminate bacteria that cause odors. Their experiments demonstrated that a brief exposure to UV light effectively reduces unpleasant smells, suggesting a viable solution for consumers struggling with shoe odor.

Aviation: The Effects of Alcohol on Bat Flight

Citation: Francisco Sánchez, Mariana Melcón, Carmi Korine, and Berry Pinshow, for examining the influence of alcohol on the flight and echolocation abilities of bats.

Exploring the effects of ethanol consumption on wildlife, this study focused on Egyptian fruit bats, known for their fruit-based diets. Researchers conducted experiments to determine if consuming alcohol impaired the bats' flying capabilities and echolocation, both crucial for their survival.

The findings revealed that bats exposed to higher levels of ethanol exhibited slower flight times and reduced echolocation accuracy, underscoring the potential risks of intoxication in wildlife. This research highlights the broader implications of alcohol consumption in natural settings.

Psychology: The Impact of Positive Feedback on Narcissism

Citation: Marcin Zajenkowski and Gilles Gignac, for investigating how positive feedback influences narcissistic traits in individuals.

This study examined the relationship between self-perception of intelligence and narcissism, revealing that external validation can significantly alter how individuals view themselves. Participants were divided into two groups, receiving either positive or negative feedback about their intelligence after completing an IQ test.

The results indicated that positive feedback tended to elevate participants' self-perceptions, enhancing feelings of uniqueness associated with grandiose narcissism. Conversely, negative feedback led to a more accurate self-assessment, demonstrating the powerful influence of external validation on self-image.

Nutrition: Rainbow Lizards and Pizza Preferences

Citation: Daniele Dendi, Gabriel H. Segniagbeto, Roger Meek, and Luca Luiselli, for studying the dietary choices of rainbow lizards in relation to pizza.

In an amusing twist, researchers observed that rainbow lizards have adapted to urban environments, leading to a newfound interest in human food, particularly pizza. During their study, the authors noted a lizard stealing a slice of pizza and decided to investigate further.

They set up an experiment to determine whether the lizards had preferences for specific pizza toppings. The findings were curious: the lizards overwhelmingly favored four-cheese pizza over other varieties, suggesting a possible chemical attraction to the ingredients. This whimsical research highlights the adaptability of wildlife in urban environments and their unexpected dietary choices.

Pediatrics: The Impact of Maternal Diet on Breastfeeding

Citation: Julie Mennella and Gary Beauchamp, for studying the effects of garlic consumption on breast milk and infant behavior.

This research delved into how a mother's diet, particularly garlic consumption, influences the smell of breast milk and the feeding behavior of infants. By analyzing milk samples before and after garlic consumption, the authors discovered that garlic significantly altered the milk's aroma.

Interestingly, infants whose mothers consumed garlic displayed increased feeding durations, suggesting that the sensory experiences during breastfeeding might shape future food preferences. This study opens avenues for exploring how flavors experienced early in life can influence dietary habits later on.

Literature: The Fingernail Growth Chronicles

Citation: The late Dr. William B. Bean, for meticulously documenting the growth rate of his fingernails over 35 years.

In an unconventional study fittingly placed under the Literature category, Dr. Bean's fascinating observations on fingernail growth combined scientific inquiry with personal reflection. His detailed records and flowery prose provide insight into how the growth rate of fingernails changes with age and environmental factors.

His findings revealed that fingernails grow more rapidly in children compared to adults, and that environmental conditions, such as warmth, can influence growth rates. This whimsical yet thorough examination of fingernail growth serves as a reminder that even the most mundane topics can yield valuable insights.

Peace: Alcohol and Foreign Language Fluency

Citation: Fritz Renner, Inge Kersbergen, Matt Field, and Jessica Werthmann, for exploring how alcohol consumption might enhance foreign language abilities.

This study addressed the widely held belief that moderate alcohol consumption can enhance fluency in foreign languages. The researchers conducted an experiment with native German-speaking psychology students who were fluent in Dutch, testing their language skills before and after consuming a small amount of alcohol.

The results were surprising: participants exhibited improved fluency when intoxicated, as rated by independent observers. This suggests that lower anxiety levels associated with intoxication may foster better language performance, although further research is warranted to explore this phenomenon.

As we celebrate the creativity and ingenuity behind the Ig Nobel Prizes, it’s evident that science can be both entertaining and enlightening. The 2025 winners remind us that curiosity drives discovery, often in the most unexpected of ways. For more insights, the public talks by these winners will soon be available on the Improbable Research website, providing a deeper understanding of their remarkable work. In the meantime, you can enjoy the full ceremony through this engaging video:

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