The 2026 Ig Nobel Prizes, Part 1
Summary
Hosts Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss recent Ig Nobel Prize winners, beginning with "necroprinting," a technique that uses dead mosquito proboscises as high-precision nozzles for 3D printing biological scaffolds. They then explore a biomechanics prize awarded for defining kissing as a cross-species behavior, analyzing its evolutionary history in primates and potential adaptive functions like mate assessment and social bonding.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and show introduction
Overview of Ig Nobel Prizes and underpants study
Speculating on zombie necroprinting and AI
Biomimicry and integrated biotic materials
Using mosquito proboscis for 3D printing
Sponsor segments for Orderly Meds and Ebclis
Defining kissing as an animal behavior
The Ig Nobel Biomechanics Prize for kissing research
Kissing behaviors in primates and Neanderthals
Sponsor segments for Orderly Meds and Ebclis
Hypotheses on the evolutionary function of kissing
Chimpanzee ear adornments and cross-species kissing
Sponsor segments for Orderly Meds and Ebclis
Cockroach milk as a potential superfood
Episode wrap-up and Part 2 announcement
Final sponsor read for Bank of America
Listen ad-free on Castria