Nausea. We all know the feeling. Sometimes it briefly grabs our attention, and then slips quietly away. Other times, it builds to an inescapable climax and then…..

Friends and family all secretly hope it’s something you ate and they didn’t (So glad I passed on the oysters). Many times it’s due to a virus that makes a dramatic appearance before quickly moving on (I think I’ll get a hotel room – call me when you feel better). Some especially nasty bugs, like norovirus, are widespread, cause tremendous lost productivity and can even be fatal in certain cases.

Learning more about how norovirus spreads would seem to be a very worthwhile scientific pursuit, but good luck getting volunteers for the study. Helping to advance medical science is a very noble cause, but I think I can speak for most people when I say that you couldn’t pay me enough. Enter technology…

A research team from North Caroline State University found the answer by combining MS2 (a bacteriophage that is harmless to people but mimics norovirus in the important characteristics) and an innovative machine with adjustable puking parameters. While the device itself may not be a great resume builder, the team has made some important discoveries about the spread of this evil bug. For those with a strong stomach, here’s the video.