Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda

Marc Abrahams: Laugh… then Think

16 snips
Jan 13, 2026
Marc Abrahams, founder of the Ig Nobel Prize, reveals the quirky charm behind celebrating bizarre research that often surprises with its practicality. He shares wild stories like anal respiration’s potential in medicine and the humor in odd patents, such as the centrifugal birth device that inspired an opera. Discussions include the fascinating tradition of paper airplane throwing at the ceremony and the importance of curiosity in science. Abrahams proves that sometimes the most ridiculous ideas lead to genuine insight and innovation.
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INSIGHT

Surprise Triggers Curiosity

  • The Ig Nobel Prize honors work that makes people "laugh, then think" by surprising them with unexpected research.
  • Marc Abrahams says surprise prompts attention, and many seemingly silly studies later prove useful.
ANECDOTE

Oxygen Enemas Saved Lives

  • Japanese doctors demonstrated that some mammals can absorb oxygen through their anus using oxygenated liquid enemas.
  • Marc Abrahams notes this bizarre finding could help save patients with failing lungs.
ANECDOTE

The Spinning Birth Table

  • George and Charlotte Blonsky patented a centrifugal birth device that straps and spins a woman so the baby "comes flying out."
  • Marc Abrahams traced their history, presented the story at the ceremony, and even wrote an opera about it.
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