How Slippery Is a Banana Peel?

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    Nobel prize
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the slippery nature of banana peels, particularly focusing on the frictional coefficient of banana skin and its historical perception as a slipping hazard. The scope includes theoretical considerations and potential academic interest in measuring the lubricating ability of banana skin.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the common belief in the slipperiness of banana peels has been established since the mid-nineteenth century, yet the actual frictional coefficient remains unmeasured.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the relevance of certain research topics, suggesting that the inclusion of cats in studies may not be sufficient justification for their significance.
  • Another participant humorously speculates on the motivations behind the research on toxoplasmosis, linking it to the behavior of infected individuals.
  • There is mention of the possibility of winning both the Ig Nobel and Nobel prizes for the same work, referencing past winners as examples.
  • Participants share light-hearted comments about various research topics, including the reactions of reindeer to humans disguised as polar bears.
  • Some participants raise questions about military research in relation to the discussed topics, although the context remains unclear.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the significance of the slipperiness of banana peels or the relevance of associated research topics. Multiple competing views and humorous asides are present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific measurements or empirical data regarding the frictional properties of banana peels, and assumptions about historical perceptions are not fully substantiated.

nsaspook
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http://www.improbable.com/ig/winners/#ig2014

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/trol/7/3/7_147/_pdf

Shortly after banana was imported to North America in the mid-nineteenth century, it became common sense that banana skin is slippery and sometimes causes accidental slip [1]. Then, banana skin has been often referred as a slipping tool by literatures. Under this situation, anyone could not doubt the lubricating ability of banana skin and dare not measure the friction. The simple question how much value frictional coefficient under banana skin has not been answered, yet. There must be some academic interest in this quest
 
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lisab said:
Did they think it qualifies just because it involves cats?
I think it's more because it is in essence research on the crazy cat lady.

That it's got a sninister mind-controlling undertone doesn't help.

On a second thought, it was probably voted in by the people infected by toxo, subtly infulencing their hosts' behaviour to stave off further research that could lead to compromising its dominion over the human race.
 
The next milestone would be to win both the Noble and the IgNoble prize for the same work.
 
Military research?
1411117370329_wps_12_Kiyoshi_Mabuchi_of_Japan_.jpg
 
nsaspook said:
Military research?
1411117370329_wps_12_Kiyoshi_Mabuchi_of_Japan_.jpg

We could even make a launch system out of it:

bananapeel1-jpeg.27184.jpg

bananapeel2-jpeg.27185.jpg

bananapeel3-jpeg.27186.jpg
 
  • #10
 

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