Science Faction: The Truth is Stranger than Fiction – Episode 1

In the first episode of Science Faction, Dr. Otto Wilson (professor of medical engineering) and Dr. Rosa Diaz (astrophysicist) explore the Ig Nobel Prizes—the awards that celebrate research which first makes you laugh, then makes you think.

They discuss some of the most memorable recent winners, including cockroach milk that contains more protein than regular dairy, why parents find their babies’ scent appealing but not their teenagers’, a citizen-science experiment that buried cotton underwear to measure soil health, cows painted with zebra stripes to reduce fly bites, and lizards that prefer four-cheese pizza. Each study sounds absurd at first glance, yet reveals a genuine scientific or practical insight.

This series is connected with Bridges Strong and aims to spark curiosity about science and engineering. Watch the episode and share your thoughts—or suggest topics you’d like to see next.