The Ig Nobel Prize in physiology was awarded to a team of Japanese and U.S. researchers for their groundbreaking discovery that many mammals, including mice, rats, and pigs, can absorb oxygen through their anus. The research, led by Takanori Takebe, aims to explore potential treatments for respiratory failure, inspired by loaches that breathe through their intestines in low-oxygen environments. The award ceremony at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology celebrated humorous yet thought-provoking scientific achievements, including studies on pigeon-guided missiles and the swimming abilities of dead fish. This year's event marked the 34th annual Ig Nobel ceremony, returning in-person after four years of online presentations. The Ig Nobel awards, launched in 1991, recognize research that first entertains and then prompts deeper reflection. This year's event featured various other quirky studies, highlighting the unexpected directions of scientific inquiry.