THE WHERE Ministry of Durian in Singapore (or in your own home. See details)
THE WHEN 3:00-5:00PM August 14, 2016 SGP
THE GOAL Eat a crap load of durian (some people drink beer too). See if anybody’s body temperature or blood pressure changes.
THE WHY I wrote a lot of text about why with some text boxes and attempts at clever images here.

I expect to passerby we will look like this (actual innocent durian party)

But really we are doing this (nefarious science experiment for the good of humanity):

ABSTRACT

Durian is rumored to cause people’s blood pressure or temperature to go up, especially when combined with alcohol. There are several documented fatalities that occurred after wanton durian consumption, however it is not clear if the durian consumption was a contributing factor or not. Many scientists and doctors have theorized that durian can temporarily elevate blood pressure and body temperature, however so far no one has measured the physiological effects of eating durian.

ADVISOR
Lu Yuyun, who has been developing Durian Wine at the Food Science and Technology Department of National University of Singapore, has agreed to assist with the analysis of this durian experiment party.

HYPOTHESIS
We will measure small changes in blood pressure and core body temperature in durian-consuming participants that will be correlated pre-existing health conditions (such as high cholesterol or diabetes) and larger changes in those consuming durian and beer at the same time.

MATERIALS

– An air-conditioned and temperature controlled venue
– Thermometers
– Blood Pressure Cuffs
– Water
– Durian
– Beer

PROCEDURE
1) Host a durian party at an air conditioned, climate-controlled venue called Ministry of Durian
2) Ask everyone to fill out a confidential health survey
3) Divide guests into three groups:
Group A: the durian eating group Group B: the durian+beer swilling group Group C: spouses who don’t eat durian, or people willing to wait for their reward of durian until after the experiment
4) Take everyone’s temperature and blood pressure before eating.
5) Eat durian
6) Play board games and continue to measure and record each person’s temperature and blood pressure at intervals for the next 1 hour.
7) Make analysis about whether heatiness affects blood pressure or temperature.
8) Party for the rest of the evening.

——_> Wait isn’t consuming beer and durian together dangerous? Maybe. That’s the point <——-

Silly But Serious

This study is supposed to be fun. It’s a durian party. But it also has some pretty serious applications.

Knowing whether or not durian actually has an effect on blood pressure or temperature might help scientists study its interactions with pharmaceuticals or other chemicals (like alcohol) that people regularly ingest

AND/OR

help people with borderline health issues decide whether or not to partake,

AND/OR

Will shake some of the fear-mongering among people who no longer allow themselves durian because Fear of Heatiness.

How You Can Eat Durian For Sciency Things

Come eat durian with us on Sunday afternoon, August 14, 2016! We’ll be there from 3:00-5:00 PM at an indoor, air-conditioned durian shop called the Ministry of Durian.

Can’t transport your physical being to Singapore? Join us on the Livestream and do the experiment from the comfort of your own home.

Buy your spot: $25 SGD ($18.65  USD)

Also, anyone who can bring an ear thermometer or blood pressure cuff will get a $5SGD rebate (email me at [email protected])

Just think this is cool and want to help out? Contribute $5USD (6.72SGD) and I’ll send you a postcard from Singapore.