ADVERTISEMENT

Science is deemed a very serious discipline that is quite incompatible with humor. And rightly so, as it requires composure and concentration to gather data, analyze, interpret, and test it so discoveries and innovations that we live with today can be made. However, sometimes it can be beneficial to combine the two, especially when learning about it so the information doesn’t go in one ear and out the other.

The Facebook group “The Darker Side Of Science” has mastered doing exactly so—blending fun and science. Bored Panda has gathered their best posts in the list below, which is full of “bad experiments, worse scientists, studies you wish to god you could unsee, and much, much more.” Scroll down to find them, and don’t forget to upvote the ones you found to be unexpectedly dark.

While you’re at it, make sure to check out a conversation with science comedian Brian Malow, who kindly agreed to tell us the secret to combining comedy with science.

#2

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Riya Singh Report

Add photo comments
POST
Khavrinen
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my Dad was in college he worked one summer in a forest fire lookout tower. When he practiced his clarinet every day, he'd spread out a handful of birdseed and nuts, and soon birds and chipmunks learned to come for food when they heard him practicing. That's right, my Dad was a Disney princess.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

“No! Do not attempt to combine science with humor! It’s far too dangerous. It should be left only to professionals, like me! Oh, sorry, I was being territorial. It’s a reflex,” jokes science comedian Brian Malow

“Of course, science can be combined with humor! In fact, they are a perfect marriage. Science and humor are more similar than most people realize. They are both about finding patterns and connections leading to discovery and surprise," this time he seriously says.

#5

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

rebmasel Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jo Maxwell
Community Member
3 weeks ago

This comment has been deleted.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#6

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Riya Singh Report

Add photo comments
POST
SCamp
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Welcome to Trump-MAGA land, the same loons that brought you such Darwin Award winning views as The 2020 election was a cheat, Yes you can inject detergent as an antiviral, The Moon Landing is fake, Jan 6 was a peaceful Love in, Nazis are OK, Dictators are OK, In Fact Russia is pretty Damn Good, Guns are Great, and Extreme Right Wing Christianity is Great, and Did I say Nazis are Great? Oh, and the Government Controls the Weather, don’t forget that

Surly Scot
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work with a flat-earther.....I thought these people were like a mythical joke, something we still make fun of on South Park or something. Nope. Her daughter is also now a flat-earther, while also wanting to be a paleontologist when she grows up. Doesn't believe in the curvature of the earth that she can see out of an airplane window, University will be a rude awakening for that kid. Her mother has multiple 4chan/tin-foil-hat theories she brings up at the office that make my IQ fall out my ears.

Hobby Hopper
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know the type. I worked with a guy who couldn't talk about secret government programs without talking about 'an alien spaceship crash cover-up' blah blah blah. Look, I'm not saying it's impossible for extra-terrestrials to exist, but every time people start with the conspiracy theories about the government hiding little green men, I can't help but roll my eyes. Oh yeah, the same guy thought the election was stolen. (edited for clarity)

Load More Replies...
R.C.
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like the human race is devolving. With information so easily accessible you would think we'd be getting smarter but it's doing the opposite. The stupid is spreading too easily now and a lot of people are eating it up.

Surly Scot
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Americans keep asking me questions, I keep responding with "your people invented Google. USE IT". They still don't. The problem isn't stupidity, it's apathy. People don't want to learn anymore, and don't care if they walk around spouting fake facts and nonsense - as long as they didn't have to do the work of researching it. Laziness has become their ruler.

Load More Replies...
Tucker Cahooter
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The tennis player Nick Kyrgios being the latest example of this: "I'd probably be inclined to saying it's round, but I'm also not surprised if it was the other thing either," - well, let's give him some credit, at least he isn't categorically saying it is flat; no doubt he will "do his own research". He also has some doubts about the building of the pyramids too

Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

More people believe in the flat earth now than ever in history. Not by percentage but by shere numbers. Just because there are more people in the world now than ever.

Wonderful
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cousin believes the world is flat and he's pretty maniacal about it too. His mom used to work at nasa! It's ridiculous.

Cyndielouwhoo
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You'd think the folks who want to paste the ten commandments all over our public places would at least hold their own "leaders" to them.

Biytemii
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And covet is definitely real And masks won't kill you Those are some other things that scientists have to explain Nowadays It's so sad

Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok you all, STOP! You are Bored Pandas! You are allowed to disagree! Please stop poking each other!

Jen McCartney
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sad but true… although there’s still a lot of exciting stuff happening in the majority of branches

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Malow likes to compare jokes to Newton’s Third Law of Motion, as for every action there’s an equal and opposite reaction. “Science and comedy have this in common!” he says.

“So, if you’re a scientist, you already have the same basic skills for being funny. The key is to be yourself. Don’t TRY to be a comedian. Just be yourself and let your personality shine through, with a little passion, humanity, and humor.”

#7

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

RodLacroix Report

Add photo comments
POST
Tucker Cahooter
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And of course he couldn't just buy the Magenta alone, he had to buy the Blue, Yellow and Black too.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Claudia Perelli Hentschel Report

Add photo comments
POST
Chicken Nugget
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And they save money too, if you've got a recently deceased relative! Or if you live close to a graveyard and have a shovel!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

DKThomp Report

Add photo comments
POST
Tucker Cahooter
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh, the good old days, when politicians trusted the experts instead of wanting them tarred and feathered

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

For those who worry about credibility when mixing humor and science, Malow says that scientists don’t need to become comedians or clowns. They just need to relax, be themselves, and let their sense of humor shine through a bit.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I give science communication seminars and workshops aimed at helping scientists communicate with the public. And, first of all, I’m not encouraging scientists to become comedians or clowns. You don’t need to be telling JOKES, per se. And there are some easy ways for a scientist to add a little humor to a presentation: You can share a funny quotation or cartoon, for instance. As long as it’s on topic and can lead into your subject,” explains Malow.

#10

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Dontrell Black Report

“There is no reason you can’t be credible and also have a personality and sense of humor. Scientists are actually human, even if some people don’t realize it. For the most part, I advocate for scientists to be prepared, focused, and relaxed on stage— so the best side of their personality can shine through, along with some passion, humanity and even humor. Just be yourself and let the humor emerge naturally; don’t try to force it. And being funny and likable will help make audiences more receptive and interested in what you have to say.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#14

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Riya Singh Report

Add photo comments
POST
Lost Panda
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have seen this a few times, the movie a lot more... I JUST got this joke...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Malow himself tries to balance scientific accuracy with entertainment by providing actual facts and avoiding misinformation at all costs. “I would only talk about certain science myths and misconceptions if I’m going to address them and make sure we all know they aren’t true. I don’t find it limiting to be scientifically accurate. And I love turning people onto science ideas. And the truth is usually more interesting than any fiction.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#17

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Jenna Edwards Report

Add photo comments
POST
Lost Panda
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So that's what those are! I used to pick those leaves off as kids and poke my brother with them.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

We were also curious to know if he ever found a scientific topic that felt too complex or unfunny to joke about throughout his career. “The National Science Foundation once asked me to develop some climate change material—and it was a challenge! Sometimes it’s hard to see past the tragedy to find the humor. But eventually, I found some funny angles on a bunch of climate topics,” he shared.

#20

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Butcher C. Cazzoti Report

Add photo comments
POST
SCamp
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When the bod of one was first taken back to England from Australia a coupla hundy years ago, the lads at the Royal Geographic Society thought it was a wind-up. They thought it was fake

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

CaucasianJames Report

However, he believes that anything can be approached with humor if the right angle can be found. “Even delicate topics can be poked fun at if your approach isn’t mean-spirited. That’s one of the keys. Comedy doesn’t have to come at the expense of others. Don’t punch down. I don’t mock science or scientists….I find a way to celebrate science because I love it. And I’ve found that I’m able to draw people into science with my sense of humor.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#24

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

drmistercody Report

Add photo comments
POST
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It really is the best technology we have. The trick is to lock up the carbon in the form of biomass. You grow the trees. You harvest the trees. You lock up the wood in a form where it's not going to return to the environment as CO2 again. Maybe as buildings and housing.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Malow strongly agrees that comedy can inspire more people to engage with science. “Look at how successful Neil deGrasse Tyson has been. He’s an astrophysicist but he loves comedy and he’s funny himself. He also features comedians like me on his show, and he’s built a fan base of millions. 

At my own science comedy shows, sometimes an audience member might believe that science is hard or boring. But if I can keep them entertained and interested—and laughing—for an hour, then maybe I could change their mind just a little bit. One thing I like to say is that music is not just for musicians, art is not just for artists, and science is not just for scientists!” 

ADVERTISEMENT
#25

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Nathan Boulton Report

Add photo comments
POST
Auntriarch
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Zoom back tens of thousands of years: this stew tastes nice but the hooves are sticking my teeth together 💡

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Riya Singh Report

Add photo comments
POST
B C
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just submitted a lit review. Screw this post. You couldn't give me a single hour to recover, could you BP?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Lastly, I want to leave you with one of Malow’s jokes that proves that science and humor can be a compatible combination.

“I noticed whenever my mom would lose weight, my dad would gain weight. And when my dad lost weight, my mom gained weight. It’s like the conservation of mass - within our family! You never actually lose weight… you just give it to someone else. Fat can be neither created nor destroyed. It’s one of the basic laws of the universe.”

And make sure to tune in on the History Channel in November, where he will be appearing on a TV show called “The Unbelievable," hosted by Dan Aykroyd.

ADVERTISEMENT
#30

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Surya Menggolo Report

Add photo comments
POST
CP
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As Chris rock said," here's a horoscope for everyone. Aquarius your gonna die...".

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Science Page Report

Add photo comments
POST
CK
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, there were some good old days, but only for a select few groups of people at certain times. There are some people who have it pretty good even when the world is generally awful.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#39

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Claudia Perelli Hentschel Report

Add photo comments
POST
Angela B
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It will be a "Flatasf@#*kosaurus" in a few seconds when it hits that bridge in the background

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#41

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Dontrell Black Report

Add photo comments
POST
Janissary35680
Community Member
Premium
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Don't bite my head off, mister." Mutters under breath, "She'll do it."

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#44

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Claudia Perelli Hentschel Report

Add photo comments
POST
deejak
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Huh. Wonder who my stomach growls at during lectures or meetings even tho I'm not hungry at all.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#45

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

IFLScience Report

Add photo comments
POST
Aidan Campbell
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Rimmer, there's nothing out there, you know. There's nobody out there. No alien monsters, no Zargon warships, no beautiful blondes with beehive hairdos who say, "Show me some more of this Earth thing called kissing." There's just you, me, the Cat, and a lot of floating smegging rocks. That's it. Finito."

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#50

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

KakapoJay Report

Add photo comments
POST
Passerby
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, what? On a probably unrelated note, the diagram is very cute. I would get this as a shirt if there were one.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#52

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Steven Downs Report

Add photo comments
POST
Pandemonium
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Similarly in Geology erosion just leads to deposition so subtraction is addition

View more commentsArrow down menu
#56

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Riya Singh Report

Add photo comments
POST
Donkey boi
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That would suggest that when some people vanished, their gut biomes remained...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#59

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Julika Isabellas Report

Add photo comments
POST
Passerby
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

PRO TIP: you can also skip the shower and just cry. No need for extra steps. 😉

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#61

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

fiImgal Report

Add photo comments
POST
CK
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope in 10 years time, people are able to not work when they're still able to work.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#63

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Riya Singh Report

Add photo comments
POST
UKGrandad
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try doing a sperm count. The little buggers just won't stay still.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#67

Dark-Science-Side-Memes-Pics

Riya Singh Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jeremy James
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Geology is simply physics slowed down with a few trees stuck on it." --Sir Terry Pratchett

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu