Male Idiot Theory - the new law of moronic masculine dynamics

Finally, a scientific explanation for Johnny Knoxville - he of Jackass fame - and the fans that keep him at his dangerous and moronic antics: Male Idiot Theory.

New research has rigorously tested Male Idiot Theory, which posits that, well, men are idiots and are driven to take ridiculous risks despite the clear prospects for self-harm, and for no defensible reason.

Newly published by the venerable British Medical Journal (in its annual, slightly more whimsical BMJ Christmas issue), the landmark study has shown that Male Idiot Theory holds up under scientific scrutiny.

The latest BMJ inquiry plumbs an important but little-known database to assess gender differences in an individual's likelihood to engage in profoundly idiotic behaviour: the Darwin Awards.

Winners of the Darwin Awards, which are handed out at random times and almost always posthumously, must be found to have died (or to have sterilised themselves) in the conduct of activity that is so stupid, pointless and predictably self-destructive that they can truly be said to have done humanity a great service.

By removing themselves from the human gene pool, the awards note, these honorees help to eliminate impediments to the sustained survival of humankind.