THE SECRET FORMULA for silly science. “If there’s a formula for silly science, Ig Nobel founder Marc Abrahams surely has it figured out. For 21 years, he and his friends at the Annals of Improbable Research have made international headlines by honoring breakthroughs like the first study of homosexual necrophiliac ducks, and the invention of the bra that turns into a gas mask. But here’s a clue or two for future laureates: Make sure there’s a dash of seriousness to go with the silliness. One sure way not to win an Ig Nobel is to try too hard to be funny.”

Trying too hard is often a mistake.