Dr Karina Acevedo-Whitehouse from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Dr Diane Gendron from CICIMAR at the Mexican National Polytechnic Institution came up with the idea of using a remote-controlled helicopter as a non-invasive method for collecting samples of whale blow to monitor the health of individual whales.

The technique involves flying a remote-controlled helicopter above a whale as it surfaces and catching the whale blow in petri dishes attached to the underside of the helicopter. The researchers then analyse the samples for any pathogens.

This unique sampling method allows the researchers to assess the impact of respiratory diseases on whale populations.

The Ig Nobel Prizes honour achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think. The prizes are intended to celebrate the unusual, honour the imaginative — and spur people’s interest in science, medicine, and technology.

ENDS

Notes for editors

The 2010 Ig Nobel Prizes (organized by the magazine Annals of Improbable Research) will be announced and awarded on Thursday September 30, at the 20th First Annual Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony, at Harvard’s Sanders Theatre. For further information visit: http://www.improbable.com/ig/

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Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity: our key role is the conservation of animals and their habitats. The Society runs ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, carries out scientific research at the Institute of Zoology and is actively involved in field conservation overseas. For further information please visit: www.zsl.org