Scientific research on pigeon missiles and dead trout also win at awards for amusing studies with serious implications
In a stark demonstration of how award-winning breakthroughs can come from the most unlikely directions, researchers have won an Ig Nobel prize for discovering that mammals can breathe through their anuses.
After a series of tests on mice, rats and pigs, Japanese scientists found the animals absorb oxygen delivered through the rectum, work that underpins a clinical trial to see whether the procedure can treat respiratory failure.
More Stories
Trump the AI salesman makes deals in the Gulf – and rich men benefit
AI can be more persuasive than humans in debates, scientists find
Trump expected to appoint Gen Michael Guetlein to oversee US missile defense project