life:

The November 17, 1958 issue of LIFE found naval researchers testing the effects of being upside-down for prolonged periods of time on animals in an attempt to learn about the disorientation astronauts would likely experience on space flights.

The research included using magnets to affix animals to the ceiling. Unsurprisingly, one key finding of the study was that the adorable kitten was “extremely fatigued” by the experience of walking upside-down.

Here, in celebration of LIFE’s 75th anniversary, LIFE.com presents the most wonderful and, in some cases, the most thoroughly bizarre science and technology photos ever to appear in the magazine.

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    he constantly breaks my heart whenever he informs me that his job is not actually like this.

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    this is.. strange.

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    LET THE KITTY GO >:(

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