Overview

• A peer-reviewed study from MIT demonstrates that eggs are less likely to crack when dropped horizontally rather than vertically.
• Controlled experiments involving 180 drop tests and 60 compression tests showed horizontally dropped eggs absorb more energy before breaking.
• The findings challenge the widespread belief that eggs are strongest when dropped vertically, a misconception rooted in confusion between stiffness and toughness.
• Researchers suggest these insights could inform improved egg packaging designs and inspire bio-inspired engineering applications.
• Published on May 8, 2025, in Communications Physics, the study highlights the importance of empirical testing in overturning entrenched scientific assumptions.