“2026 Humorous Nobel Prize Results: Splash-proof urinals achieve zero splashing”
The 2026 Nobel Prize for Humor was announced, with the physics award going to the research team behind the anti-spatter urinal. The award was released by Ars Technica on September 3rd, and other winners included projects that used mosquito mouthparts to “copy” miniature nozzles and applied aerodynamics principles of healthy nose blowing. Established in 1991, the Nobel Prize for Humor aims to recognize research that “first makes people laugh, then inspires thought.” The ceremony in 2026 was held in Zurich, Switzerland. The research team noted that when urine hits the porcelain surface, a smaller angle of impact allows the liquid to flow smoothly along the surface, reducing droplet rebound. Based on this, they designed a prototype of the Nautilus urinal, which simulated tests without observable splashing droplets. Additionally, the team created a urinal called Cornucopia, which offers the optimal angle but is not suitable for all heights.