Smelly Shoes: A Scientific Approach to Odor Control

Two Indian researchers, Vikash Kumar and Sarthak Mittal, conducted an unusual study on smelly shoes that led to an innovative solution. They surveyed university students and found that more than half had felt embarrassed by shoe odors. The researchers identified the culprit: a bacterium called Kytococcus sedentarius that thrives in sweaty shoes.

To combat this problem, they experimented with ultraviolet light. They discovered that a short exposure to UVC light could effectively kill the odor-causing bacteria. Based on their findings, they designed a prototype for a shoe rack equipped with UVC light that can sterilize shoes in just 2-3 minutes.

This creative approach to a common problem caught the attention of the Ig Nobel Prize committee. The Ig Nobel Prize, known for celebrating unusual and imaginative research, awarded Kumar and Mittal for their work. This recognition highlights how everyday issues can inspire scientific inquiry and lead to practical solutions.