Pharmacy Daily | Dispensary Corner
08 Jun 18

SCIENTISTS in New Zealand are working hard to address the country's greenhouse gas emissions by breeding "climate-friendly sheep".

Apparently flatulant, burping ovines are a major contributor to methane emissions, with the new breeds created to produce about 10% less gas than normal.

The project is being led by agricultural science firm AgResearch, which is now in its third generation of breeding after selecting particular genetic lines believed to fart and burp less.

The emissions are measured by placing the animals in a purpose-built sealed aluminium "fart chamber" (pictured) and then processing the gassy contents.

Researchers from Sydney University's Charles Perkins Centre say they're mystified at data from a recent Qantas flight between Perth and London where a passenger being monitored didn't move for 17 hours.

Professor Stephen Simpson and his team are working with the airline on a project looking at the effects of the ultra-long haul flight, with some travellers being equipped with activity trackers.

In this particular case they had to double check that the equipment was working after finding the man took "zero steps" during his business class flight - surely a sign of a strong bladder.