Overview

• MIT researchers conducted 180 drop tests and 60 compression tests to compare the durability of eggs in vertical and horizontal orientations.
• The study revealed that horizontally oriented eggs absorb 30% more impact energy, making them significantly less likely to break during falls.
• Findings debunk the widespread belief that eggs are strongest when dropped upright, a misconception rooted in confusion between stiffness and toughness.
• The research, published in 'Communications Physics,' suggests potential applications for reducing egg breakage in packaging and storage practices.
• The results also offer insights for physics education and engineering, particularly in designing impact-resistant shell structures.