The Funny Side of Science (2012)

Why does the shower curtain billow inwards instead of outwards when the hot water begins to flow? How do roller-coasters affect asthma treatment? Can swearing relieve pain? Do we swim faster in water or syrup? How can we measure the toxicity of panda droppings? Throughout the world, scientists are studying such questions, backed by generous public and private funding. Sophisticated experimental systems are developed to study why, for example, woodpeckers fail to end up with concussion despite hammering their beaks into tree trunks all day, or the statistical rules that govern the appearance of creases on sheets. Each year, an eminent committee awards "Ig Nobel" prizes to the most absurd startling, costly or amusing research projects. The satirical equivalent of the Nobel awards, these prizes are presented with great ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Funny Side of Science sets out to meet the Ig Nobel committee members and find out how they assess scientific research nominated for the next awards. We follow their debates and dispassionate discussions as they examine research that makes us laugh and inspires curiosity. Above all, we travel with them around the world to meet these extraordinary researchers applying strange forms of science.