Ig Nobel prize for self-colonoscopy

A Japanese doctor won the Ig Nobel prize for detecting that self-colonoscopy with sitting posture is less painful than in ordinary ways.

NHK World: Japanese doctor wins Ig Nobel for self-colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is an optical examination for observing the status of the colon. It is recognized as a relatively tough examination. Patients have to endure the stimulation of the fiberscope for several minutes. An anus is not accustomed to accepting a long tube. Also, this exam is very humiliating.

Then, the doctor, Akira Horiuchi, found that the posture of examinee influences the degree of physical pain in the examination. He could insert the tube into his own anus with ease when sitting.

Unfortunately, this method has not been accepted in the clinical setting because of its odd style.

Ig Nobel prize is to celebrate funny and suggestive research. As the name suggests, it is a parody of Nobel prize. There are astronomical numbers of studies conducted every year. Among them, very limited ones will be beneficial for our future. But any studies have particular values, all scientists believe. The idea of Ig Nobel prize supports scientific curiosity itself, I believe.

By the way, Japanese researchers have won Ig Nobel prize for 12 years. It is surprising considering the fact Japanese scientific contribution is shrinking for this decades. In Japan and the UK, people are generally proud of their eccentrics, according to  Marc Abrahams, the founder of Ig Nobel prize.

The Japan Times: Less acclaim, more fun for Japan’s Ig Nobel Prize winners

I partially agree with his comment. But, the barrier against people with strange ideas is also high in Japan.