Diet Coke Makes a Better Spermicide?
In the “why are scientists wasting valuable grant money on this?” news for the day…
Back in the 1950’s coca-cola (and dr.pepper) were fabled to have contraceptive abilities. According to snopes.com, the common belief was that the carbonic acid and sugar molecules exploded the sperm cells. Women would use colas as douches after sex in order to “prevent parenthood.”
In true Mythbusters fashion, scientists have both disproved and proved that cola can be a contraceptive- so I wouldn’t go recommending it to anyone. Apparently, the 1985 study that proved cola CAN be used as a contraceptive was awarded an IG Nobel Prize yesterday. Although this shouldn’t be taken too seriously, IG Nobel is a parody of nobel prizes “first make people laugh, and then make them think.” I mean, if they were serious would they also have awarded a group of Taiwanese doctors that dispelled the same myth?
Among the other awards was Geoffrey Miller’s study which found that sex workers get better tips when ovulating. You should also check out some of the past awardees.
Pretty kooky stuff.
Thanks Erin for the link!