Anti-Hiccup Kit

As noted in a previous post, the long-anticipated IgNobel awards were announced last week. The prize for medicine went to an emergency room physician for a technique he pioneered 18 years ago to stop intractable hiccups.

Hiccups are generated by spasms of the diaphragm, and various techniques that stimulate the vagus nerve--such as breath-holding--may quiet its twitches. Apparently, Dr. Frances Fesmire discovered that digital rectal massage was an ultra-effective method for hiccups that just wouldn't quit.

He distributed the above kits to attendees at the awards ceremony.