Important Research from NZ

[sjastro]

Good enough to win the 2010 Ignobel Prize in physics.

Physics: Lianne Parkin, Sheila Williams, and Patricia Priest of the University of Otago, New Zealand, for demonstrating that, on icy footpaths in wintertime, people slip and fall less often if they wear socks on the outside of their shoes

The epoch making paper is here.

Regards

Steven

[Octane (Humayun)]

Bear Grylls demonstrated something similar on the moss-covered boulders on the coast of Ireland, I believe it was.

I think he then used the same socks to strain his tea.

H

[tilbrook@rbe.ne (Justin Tilbrook)]

Originally Posted by sjastro

Good enough to win the 2010 Ignobel Prize in physics.



The epoch making paper is here.

Regards

Steven

Thanks for posting that Steven

Right up there with Dr Carls, migrating blue belly button lint.

Cheers,

Justin.

[Chaz]

Ha!

I am reminded of the (apocryphal) Russian proverb:

"The church is close, but the path is icy.
The pub is far, but I shall tread carefully."

[sjastro]

As someone who has been involved in experimental design, the researchers should be commended in considering variables that may have skewed the data, in this case the use of different coloured socks.

Regards

Steven

[naskies (Dave)]

Next time, to improve the study they should use a double-blinded RCT and ensure that both the participants and the experimenters are both blindfolded so they can't see if they're wearing socks on the inside or outside

[DavidU (Dave)]

I gather that dirty sox have an increased friction coefficient. Not good for Mr Grills Earl Grey though LOL

[Ric]

How long do these socks last when worn on the outside

I wonder if I should be investing in NZ sock shares.

[Wavytone]

It's not new, I'm sure this has been known for some time.

Its a pity they didn't do some objective, quantified tests with bricks wrapped in socks on an inclined plane to find out what the friction coefficient was, or investigate whether the micron fineness of the wool made any difference - pretty sure rough woollen socks give better traction than fine woollen ones.

[sjastro]

Originally Posted by Wavytone

It's not new, I'm sure this has been known for some time.

Its a pity they didn't do some objective, quantified tests with bricks wrapped in socks on an inclined plane to find out what the friction coefficient was, or investigate whether the micron fineness of the wool made any difference - pretty sure rough woollen socks give better traction than fine woollen ones.

Since colour comes into the equation I would subject the socks to the appropriately named "Crockmeter Test" before doing any friction testing.

Steven

PS If you thought I was being facetious, a "Crockmeter Test" is the real deal.

https://www.textiletestingequipment....ss-tester.aspx