Exciting Potential IgNobel Prize Research

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the recent IgNobel Prize research highlighting that most mammals take an average of 12 seconds to defecate, building on last year's findings of 21 seconds for urination. The conversation explores the implications of these findings, particularly regarding the hydrodynamics of soft matter and the evolutionary advantages of shorter evacuation times to reduce vulnerability to predation. Participants express a mix of humor and curiosity about the motivations behind such unconventional research.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mammalian physiology
  • Familiarity with evolutionary biology concepts
  • Knowledge of hydrodynamics in biological contexts
  • Awareness of the IgNobel Prize and its significance in research
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the hydrodynamics of soft matter in biological systems
  • Explore evolutionary advantages of rapid evacuation in mammals
  • Investigate previous IgNobel Prize-winning studies and their impacts
  • Study mammalian behavior related to predation and vulnerability
USEFUL FOR

Researchers in evolutionary biology, educators in animal physiology, and anyone interested in the humorous yet insightful aspects of unconventional scientific studies.

BillTre
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
2,739
Reaction score
11,972
Most mammals take only 12 seconds to poop (I must be getting old (and slow)).

This exciting research follows upon last years IgNobel Prize concerned with mammals taking an average of 21 seconds to pee.
I guess that would be 33 seconds for both.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
:)) I wonder, what was entailed in this experiment studying the hydrodynamics of soft matter? I can handle accidentally splattering brains on my face, but this is just too gross. And I've changed at least 10.000 diapers- that's saying something!
 
If you are into potty humor, this would fly. Maybe the idea behind this is that these two activities render a mammal more vulnerable to predation, so shorter times spent evacuating are selected for. Wild, pointless guess. Motivations for research are sometimes, um, obscure.

There must be some off the wall mammalian behavior research that really panned out, but I'm drawing a blank at the moment. Any help?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: BillTre
jim mcnamara said:
If you are into potty humor, this would fly. Maybe the idea behind this is that these two activities render a mammal more vulnerable to predation, so shorter times spent evacuating are selected for.
I think that is exactly right!
 

Similar threads

What Exciting Areas of RNA Research Are Emerging on RNA Day?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Coccidioidomycosis, deadly fungal disease, no effective cure
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
COVID Get Vaccinated Against the Covid Delta Variant
  • · Replies 516 ·
18
Replies
516
Views
37K
Admissions Will poor grades later in my degree affect my chances of doing a PhD?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Is Spending an Extra Semester in Undergraduate Research Worth It?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Physics Unable to settle on a specialisation
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
What is the impact of childhood experiences on academic success?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
What Should I Do After Completing My Physics/Math Double-Major BS Degrees?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Programs Electrical Engineering PhD or Applied Physics PhD?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
904
COVID Covid Long Haulers: Statistics Show Potential for Serious Health Issue
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
10K