Journal of Galactic Gastronomy
Copyleft 2024 by The Institute for Quantum Agricultural Studies
Spuriously published by Tyler Vigen

Vol. 330, No. 2, 2024
ISSN 2793-2901/17/$78.00
PII S8730-4153(1302)5748-5

Starch Wars: The Maize of Black Holes
Christopher Henderson, Abigail Thompson, Gloria P Tillman
Berkeley, California
This research paper explores the unusual and previously uncharted correlation between theadoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the production of corn in the stateof Iowa and Google searches for 'black holes'. By analyzing data from the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture (USDA) and Google Trends, our research team uncovered asurprising and seemingly inexplicable relationship. Our findings reveal a remarkably
strong correlation coefficient of 0.9599251 and statistical significance with p < 0.01 forthe period spanning from 2004 to 2023. The implications and interpretations of thisassociation are indeed as mind-boggling as a supermassive black hole itself. We invite
readers to delve into the complex interplay between agricultural practices and cosmic
curiosities, and ponder the potential cosmic consequences of GMO use in the heartlands ofAmerica. Let us hope this research sheds some light, rather than creating a metaphorical
black hole, in the field of both terrestrial and astrophysical studies.

Introduction
The curious and often unpredictable nature ofscientific inquiry has led researchers down various
uncharted paths and into unexpected realms. In thisvein, our investigation delves into a rather charming
correlation between the adoption of geneticallymodified organisms (GMOs) in the cultivation ofcorn in the illustrious state of Iowa and the peculiar
phenomenon of increased Google searches related
to 'black holes'. While the connection between
toying with corn genetically and the enigmatic
cosmos may at first seem as perplexing as the originof the universe itself, the data suggests otherwise.
As any inquisitive mind would ponder, one mightask: what could the starchy intricacies of cornpossibly have to do with the vast abysses of space
known as black holes? Could the existence of suchcosmic wonders truly captivate the humble agrarianfolk of Iowa? Well, dear readers, the plot thickens,and it does so with a starch-laden curiosity that eventhe most seasoned molecular biologist might findsurprising.
The study aims to shed light, or perhaps, create a
metaphorical black hole of inquiry, into the swirlingconnection between the agricultural practices of theheartlands of America and the seemingly unrelated
urge to explore the fathomless depths of theuniverse—well, at least in the digital world. Brace
yourself for a cornucopia of unexpected findings,
which might leave you pondering the cosmic
consequences of tampering with those ubiquitous,
yellow kernels at your local grocery store.
Here, we invite you to embark on a scholarly
journey that promises to provide insights into two
vastly different worlds, and maybe even raise a few
eyebrows in the process. Let us peel back the layersof this tangled scientific mystery and see what
cosmic surprises lie beneath the surface ofcornfields and cyberspace.

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchLITERATURE REVIEWThe authors delve into a comprehensive review ofthe existing literature on the intersection between
agricultural practices, particularly the adoption ofgenetically modified organisms (GMOs) in corn
production, and the unlikely correlation with thefrequency of Google searches related to 'blackholes'. The exploration begins with Smith et al.'s
seminal work, "Genetically Modified Maize:
Implications for Agricultural Practices", which
offers a thorough analysis of the impact of GMO
adoption on crop yields and environmental
sustainability. While the study by Smith et al.
primarily focuses on the agronomic aspects of
GMO corn, the findings have inadvertently openeda wormhole into the unforeseen linkages withcelestial queries.
Doe's research, "The Cosmic Fascination: A Studyof Public Interest in Astrophysical Phenomena",
provides a tantalizing glimpse into the intricacies ofpublic interest in cosmic phenomena, albeit from asociological lens. The study examines the shifting
trends in public curiosity, shedding light on topics
that capture the imagination of individuals acrossdiverse geographical regions. Although Doe's work
does not explicitly address the specific connection
with agricultural practices, the authors find anundercurrent of cosmic intrigue that intertwines
unexpectedly with the agricultural heartlands.
Jones et al.'s comprehensive investigation, "Google
Searches: Unveiling Human Curiosity", offers acompelling exposé on the patterns and motivations
underlying Google search trends. The study
meticulously disentangles the web of humancuriosity, illuminating the multifaceted nature ofdigital queries and the underlying drivers. While
Jones et al.'s research primarily focuses on thebehavioral aspects of online searches, the authors
uncover a serendipitous convergence with theenigmatic allure of black holes and the agrarianlandscape of Iowa.
Expanding the purview beyond traditional academic
works, "The Cosmic Cookbook" by Carl Sagan and"Black Holes and Beyond" by Stephen Hawking
present captivating narratives of the celestial
wonders that beckon humanity's collectiveimagination. These literary masterpieces offer a
sweeping panorama of cosmic marvels and thetantalizing mysteries that orbit the humanconsciousness. The authors find the subtle whispersof cosmic intrigue echoed in the unlikeliest ofplaces, resonating amidst the golden fields ofgenetically modified maize.
Venturing even further into unconventional sources,
the authors conducted an exhaustive review ofliterature, including the back labels of various
shampoo bottles. Although seemingly unrelated at
first glance, the chemically charged descriptions
sparked an unexpected 'eureka' moment, prompting
the authors to reconsider the intricate interplay
between agricultural biotechnology and the cosmic
queries that pervade the digital sphere. Thus, theauthors urge readers to approach this literature
review with a sense of cosmic whimsy and an
appreciative nod to the unforeseen connections thatpermeate the scientific landscape.

METHODOLOGY

Methodology
To investigate the curious correlation between theadoption of genetically modified organisms(GMOs) in corn production in Iowa and Google
searches for 'black holes', a robust and, dare I say,corny methodology was employed. The datacollection process involved an extensive forage
across the vast plains of the internet, with a keen
focus on sources such as the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) and thewhimsical wonderland of Google Trends. We
wrangled data spanning from 2004 to 2023, a time
period ripe for observation and analysis, much likea well-ripened ear of corn ready for harvest.
To tackle this peculiar investigation, we first husked
the USDA's data on the adoption of GMOs in
Iowa’s cornfields. This data presented a kernel oftruth, shedding light on the widespread

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-research

incorporation of genetically engineered traits incorn cultivars. The adoption of GMOs, much like a
genetically mutated superhero, has seen an
exponential rise over the past few decades, leaving
a significant footprint on the agricultural landscape.
Meanwhile, in the digital domain, we sifted throughthe astral expanse of Google searches for 'blackholes'. Utilizing Google Trends, we seized thesearch volume index as our metric, observing thepeaks and troughs of curiosity regarding these
cosmic enigmas. The rise and fall of 'black hole'searches mirrored the ebb and flow of some cosmic
ballet, capturing the attention of internet surfers
across the Hawkeye State.
Once we had gathered this cornucopia of data, arigorous statistical analysis was conducted todiscern any tantalizing whispers of correlation. We
employed the pearsonr correlation coefficient, atime-tested measure of linear correlation strength, tounravel the knotty relationship between GMO
adoption and 'black hole' searches. This analysis not
only provided evidence of a strong correlation but
also yielded a p-value that could cause even themost seasoned statistician to raise an eyebrow andponder the cosmic implications.
In conclusion, the methodology adopted for thisinvestigation was as substantial as a hearty
Midwestern meal, carefully sowing the seeds ofscientific inquiry and reaping a bountiful harvest of
unexpected findings. The interplay between
agricultural practices and cosmic curiosity wasprobed with the precision of a molecular biologist
and the wonder of a stargazing enthusiast. The
cosmic consequences of tampering with corn
genetics, it seems, may indeed lead us down a rabbit
hole, or rather, a 'black hole', of inquiry.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis of the data uncovered astriking correlation between the adoption ofgenetically modified organisms (GMOs) in corn
production in Iowa and Google searches for 'blackholes'. Over the period from 2004 to 2023, acorrelation coefficient of 0.9599251 was found,with an r-squared of 0.9214561, indicating a highly
significant relationship with p < 0.01.
As evidenced by the scatterplot in Fig. 1, the data
points exhibit a clear, linear pattern, illustrating thestrong positive correlation between the variables ofinterest. The unmistakable trend appears to suggestthat as the prevalence of GMO use in corn
cultivation increases, so does the interest in cosmic
phenomena, particularly black holes, reflected in thefrequency of Google searches. The implications of
this intriguing association are as expansive as theuniverse itself.
Our findings not only offer an illuminating snapshotof the interplay between agricultural developments
and enigmatic cosmic curiosities but also provoke
contemplation on the broader implications forsociety. The unexpected link between the maize of
Iowa and the enigmatic allure of black holes invites
further exploration and speculation, perhaps eveninspiring a deeper appreciation for theinterconnectedness of seemingly distant domains.

Figure 1. Scatterplot of the variables by yearThis
unexpected
correlation
challenges
conventional wisdom and opens the doors to amyriad of potential explanations and interpretations.
The interconnectedness of seemingly disparate
realms, from the rural heartlands to the cosmic
unknown, serves as a reminder that the universe isrife with unexpected connections, both tangible andmetaphorical. Our research, while lighthearted in its
inception, may indeed have far-reachingThis paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchimplications, extending beyond the starchy silos ofMidwestern fields to the unfathomable depths of thecosmos.

of a black hole, knows no bounds. Who could havepredicted that this inquisitive spirit would lead to acosmic corn maze of interconnections?

The peculiar and delightful relationship uncoveredin this study serves as a testament to theserendipitous discoveries that arise from the pursuitof knowledge, and it accentuates the profoundinterdependence of diverse fields of inquiry. As thesaying goes, "When it rains, it pours," and it seems
that, in our case, when it comes to GMOs and black
holes, curiosity truly knows no bounds.

And the peculiar pairing of shampoo bottle backlabels with our serendipitous moment of clarity
urges us to acknowledge that discovery often hides
in plain sight, waiting to be unlocked by theunexpected turn of a phrase or twist of acoincidence. In this case, the foamy musings on
shampoo bottles unveiled a cosmic connection thattranscends the earthly realm of personal hygiene.

DISCUSSION

The entanglement of genetically modifiedorganisms (GMOs) in corn cultivation and thecosmic bewilderment surrounding black holes hasleft our research team pondering the cosmic
conundrum that underpins this unexpected
correlation. Indeed, the unearthly alignment
discovered in our study raises questions as grand as
the cosmos itself. Our findings not only affirm theprior work that inadvertently tugged at the cosmic
thread woven into the fabric of agricultural
practices, but also urge contemplation of theprofound and, dare we say, corny implications of
this convergence.
The work of Smith et al. indeed sowed the seeds forour investigation, emphasizing the agricultural
implications of GMO adoption. Little did they
anticipate that their study would cultivate a cosmic
curiosity that transverses celestial bodies andagricultural fields. The unforeseen intergalactic
implications of agroecology have taken root in theunforeseen nexus with the astrophysical unknown,crafting a narrative as improbable as a cornstalkreaching for the stars.
The findings of Jones et al. on online search trends
have also borne fruit, aligning with our own
discovery of the tantalizing correlation between
GMO usage and the cosmic queries surrounding
black holes. Their 'Google Searches: Unveiling
Human Curiosity' shines a light on the inescapable
truth that human curiosity, like the gravitational pull

Our results have not only validated but also
unveiled the unmistakable and statisticallysignificant relationship that inspires a cosmicreverie. The maize of Iowa, intertwined with theinquisitiveness of humanity, paints a celestial
masterpiece that challenges conventional wisdomand beckons us to explore the uncharted territoriesof unexpected correlations.
The veracity of our findings is as undeniable as thegravitational forces that define the enigmatic danceof black holes. The cosmic curiosity sparked by ourstudy opens a wormhole into the unexploreddimensions of agricultural and astrophysicalinteractions, reminding us that the universe, like theGMO cornfields of Iowa, is ripe with mysteries
waiting to be uncovered.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the seemingly inexplicablecorrelation between the prevalence of geneticallymodified organisms (GMOs) in Iowa's cornfields
and the fascination with 'black holes' in Google
searches has left our research team pleasantlyperplexed. Despite its initial ludicrousness, therobust statistical evidence of a strong positive
correlation
challenges
ourconventional
understanding of disparate domains. While wemight be inclined to attribute this connection tocosmic coincidences or the enigmatic allure ofstarchy structures, the intricate web of causation
remains shrouded in mystery. It's almost as if ourGMO-laden cornfields are serving as cosmic

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchantennas, tuning into the celestial curiosity of theuniverse. As we contemplate the implications of ourfindings, it's tempting to rely on a cliché andproclaim that the truth is indeed "out there." Yet, wemust resist the urge to launch into absurd
speculation—after all, we are scientists. Though wemight be tempted to proclaim that our findings haveopened a cornucopia of new research avenues, we'll
leave it at this: no more research is needed in thisfield.

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-research