Weird science - Ig Nobel Prize

[bigandclever]

http://www.ehbonline.org/article/PIIS1090513807000...

Abstract said:

To see whether estrus was really “lost” during human evolution (as researchers often claim), we examined ovulatory cycle effects on tip earnings by professional lap dancers working in gentlemen's clubs. Eighteen dancers recorded their menstrual periods, work shifts, and tip earnings for 60 days on a study web site. A mixed-model analysis of 296 work shifts (representing about 5300 lap dances) showed an interaction between cycle phase and hormonal contraception use. Normally cycling participants earned about US$335 per 5-h shift during estrus, US$260 per shift during the luteal phase, and US$185 per shift during menstruation. By contrast, participants using contraceptive pills showed no estrous earnings peak. These results constitute the first direct economic evidence for the existence and importance of estrus in contemporary human females, in a real-world work setting. These results have clear implications for human evolution, sexuality, and economics.

Eh?

OK then... http://improbable.com/

The 2008 Ig Nobel Prizes were awarded on Thursday night, October 2, at the 18th First Annual Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony, at Harvard's Sanders Theatre

ECONOMICS PRIZE. Geoffrey Miller, Joshua Tybur and Brent Jordan of the University of New Mexico, USA, for discovering that a professional lap dancer's ovulatory cycle affects her tip earnings.
REFERENCE: "Ovulatory Cycle Effects on Tip Earnings by Lap Dancers: Economic Evidence for Human Estrus?" Geoffrey Miller, Joshua M. Tybur, Brent D. Jordan, Evolution and Human Behavior, vol. 28, 2007, pp. 375-81.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7650103.stm

So, how does one become a "scientist"? And how much will it cost me? I have cash.

[Morningside]

........................................
(Signed Morningside)
Anyone got a pen?

How about this one?
http://www.jstor.org/pss/2579974

[xiphias]

A friend sent me a science paper on the effect of semen on some pregnancy related (I think) disease. The end conclusion was that women should indulge in oral administration of semen in order to lessen the chances of certain conditions.

[Dr_Gonzo]

Geoffrey Miller actually wrote a very good book called 'The Mating Mind'.

Edited by Dr_Gonzo on Friday 3rd October 16:19

Edited by Dr_Gonzo on Friday 3rd October 16:20

[z_chromozone]

xiphias said:

A friend sent me a science paper on the effect of semen on some pregnancy related (I think) disease. The end conclusion was that women should indulge in oral administration of semen in order to lessen the chances of certain conditions.

Pre-eclampsia for one.

Thinning of the cervix - to encourage birth.

I am sure it will also make you look younger and "plump up wrinkles" if applied freshly to the face a few times a week too.

Z

[xiphias]

z_chromozone said:

Pre-eclampsia for one.

Thats the one. What is it?