Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

Photo of the week: 2,000 underwater underwear

In a citizen science project, researchers at the University of Zurich have asked 1,000 volunteers to bury two cotton underpants each and leave them there for two months. Through this clothing, they have measured the health of the land in different areas of Switzerland. The research has won the Ig Nobel Prize this year.

According to the authors, the health of the land has declined in recent years and is of vital importance in agriculture, food security and ecosystems. The rate of decomposition is a key indicator for measuring soil health, and this measurement is typically performed using infusion bag material. One study wanted to see if cotton clothing was a better indicator.

Each volunteer had to bury two underpants and 12 infusion bags in the desired area of Switzerland. After one month, he had to excavate one underwear and six infusion bags, and after two months, the other half of the materials.

With all the results gathered, the researchers conclude that land use is a determining factor. The most rapid decomposition of underwear occurred in private gardens, and soil analysis also found the highest amount of organic matter in these areas. Overall, the authors have found that their "underwear index" provides information as significant as that of infusion bags.