GISH 2022 included an item dealing with the Ig Nobel Prize. I was pretty excited about the idea.
65 [IMAGE OR VIDEO] Find a #GISH-worthy scientific research study, one that the world seems to have overlooked — a GISHy real (not fictional!) experiment or discovery that is documented (published in, for example, a peer-reviewed research journal). Then, nominate that study with a compelling photo or video proving that it’s not only GISH worthy, but also Ig Nobel Prize-worthy. Post your supporting photo or video on social media, tagging @improbresearch and #GISH. Submit your image or video with a link to your post in the comments. (31 points)
For anyone unfamiliar with the Ig Nobel Prizes, they are awarded annually for research topics which cause people to laugh, and then think about the results. A personal favorite winning for physics in 2003 was, “An Analysis of the Forces Required to Drag Sheep over Various Surfaces.” Which sounds like a rather ridiculous thing to spend time and funds researching. However the result was far fewer injuries to sheep during wool sheering across Australia.
My idea was to search for scientific papers describing some sort of kale related research. Kale was forbidden by GISH rules a number of times. Including it as the focus therefore seemed “GISHy”.
The research paper I settled on was titled, “Electric stimulation promotes growth, mineral uptake, and antioxidant accumulation in kale.” Their results of kale with enhanced nutritional values sounds quite beneficial. Plus the visual of kale receiving electroshock treatments in an institution seemed like a fun challenge.
I created a “medical device” paper model through use of some online images. A watchband substituted for a safety strap. The final props were made by taping prototyping jumper wires to small bits of paper. I was pretty pleased with the final photo.