Researchers of urinals, underwear and kissing win Liba-Nobel prizes

Researchers studying urinal design, soil health using underwear and the scientific definition of kissing have received this year’s Liba-Nobel prizes, ERR reported. Science communicator Aigar Vaigu said on the Ringvaade television programme that the unusual studies could still advance humanity in practical ways.

The prizes recognise unusual, humorous or strange scientific achievements that nevertheless have real scientific value.

One prize went to a group of physicists who studied how urinals should be designed to minimise splashing. Vaigu said splashes can create tiny airborne droplets, posing a health risk in public toilets such as those in schools and theatres. The researchers examined how to reduce splashing regardless of a user’s height.

Another prize recognised a soil health test involving cotton underwear. A piece of cotton fabric is buried in the soil, and the richer the soil, the faster the fabric decomposes. The test does not require underwear specifically, as any cotton fabric can be used. Vaigu noted that when the underwear has completely decomposed, its waistband remains, making it possible to tell that it has not simply been stolen.

Researchers who developed a scientific definition of kissing also received a prize. Vaigu said clear definitions are important because researchers can produce different results if they have not first established what exactly they are measuring.

The definition describes kissing as non-aggressive communication within the same species involving directed mouth-to-mouth contact and some movement of the lips or other mouth parts, without the transfer of food.

The medical prize went to researchers who studied how people should blow their noses to help prevent respiratory illnesses. They examined what happens when someone blows through one nostril or both, finding that forcefully blowing with one nostril blocked can push mucus into the other nasal passage. The researchers also found no difference between blowing through one nostril and both.