Kissing apes, anti-splash urinals: This year's Ig Nobels showcase surprising science

The Ig Nobel Prizes were awarded this week for humorous yet thought-provoking research. This year, the ceremony came with a twist.

<img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4673x3115+0+0/resize/4673x3115!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffd%2F4a%2F6926e66a4f6eadf816188b4b3b89%2Fap25261852269657.jpg' alt='Audience members toss paper airplanes during the 2025 Ig Nobel Prize award ceremony in Boston, Mass.'/><p>The Ig Nobel Prizes were awarded this week for humorous yet thought-provoking research. This year, the ceremony came with a twist.</p><p>(Image credit: Robert F. Bukaty)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5950370' />