religious people have a problem. when science is against their beliefs, they say that science can not reconcile with faith, since faith means believing in things unconditionally. however when it validates their faith, then they show it as a proof.
there is also another thing. they keep planting stories that will show that somehow what their faith tells them is actually better for the humans. and therefore, it was FOR SOME REASON that that it was put their by an all knowing deity. otherwise, how could it be possible that the great LORD has done it without any reason.
one of the first things in these kinds of legends is that the name of a professor is joined with a big name university, as has been done in this case. who is going to cross-check from the said professor after all? usually the professor does not exist, and even if he does the research is never conducted. there are several such urban legends with big names attached to it. try snopes.com religion page. you will find einstein making fun of the atheist professor, drilling hell in siberia and scientists discovering the lost day in space. and all of them are false.
first of all there is no purpose of a non-muslim having an interest in why muslims do a sajda. second, even if he does, he will need funds for the project. who is going to provide the funds?
another thing is that the urban legend will never tell you where the research was originally published.
if you feel like whatever i am saying is nonsense, then you can try emailing the said professor. here is his webpage