This year’s Ig Nobel Prizes were announced in a virtual ceremony, showcasing a collection of unusual research questions that straddle the line between humor and academia. Queries such as whether alcohol improves foreign language proficiency, the pizza preferences of West African lizards, and the potential of painting cows with zebra stripes to deter biting flies were among the highlights.
Launched in 1991, the Ig Nobels serve as a lighthearted counterpart to the Nobel Prizes, celebrating “achievements that first make people laugh and then make them think.” The ceremony is characterized by its quirky elements, including miniature operas, engaging scientific demonstrations, and the requirement for speakers to present their research in increasingly brief formats—first in 24 seconds, then in seven words.
Acceptance speeches are capped at 60 seconds. While the topics might initially appear frivolous, the awarded research often possesses significant scientific relevance. The winners will also offer free public presentations in the weeks following the ceremony, available on the Improbable Research website.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the recipients of the 2025 Ig Nobel Prizes.
Biology
Credit:
Tomoki Kojima et al., 2019
Citation: Research conducted by Tomoki Kojima and colleagues investigated whether cows adorned with zebra-like stripes can be protected from flies.
Farmers are well aware of the challenges posed by biting flies to their cattle, which often leads to distressed animals exhibiting various behaviors to rid themselves of the pests. These flies not only cause discomfort but also impact livestock health and productivity, resulting in lower milk and beef yields as cattle spend less time grazing and become more stressed.
