WEIRD STUFF

The moon is shrinking

Scientists have estimated that the circumference of the satellite has decreased by around 45m over the past few hundred million years, putting attempts to construct a lunar base at risk.

Researchers are convinced that the moon's shrinkage causes severe "moonquakes" around the lunar South Pole -- the exact spot where NASA is hoping to land a crew in the future.

The space agency's Artemis 3 mission is currently planned for 2026 and is set to mark humanity's first return to the lunar surface since Apollo 17 in 1972.

Thomas Watters, a senior scientist emeritus at the National Air and Space Museum's Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, has warned that the danger of moon shrinkage causing instability "should be considered when planning the location and stability of permanent outposts on the moon".

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Sick days are good

Careers expert Robbie Bryant has claimed that taking a sneaky day off work can help employees reset and avoid burnout from the day-to-day grind.

Bryant, from Open Study College, argues that bosses should be thankful for employees taking an occasional sick day, as it could potentially save them from more costly long-term stress leave.

He said: "Rest is crucial for allowing the brain to be in a state where thinking is more flexible and novel.

"A tired brain is not a creative one, so if you're lacking inspiration at work, pulling a sickie might be just what you need for your next breakthrough idea."

Colds, flu and food poisoning are cited as the most popular excuses for sick days, but a poll found that 40 per cent have opted not to come to work because "they just didn't feel like it".

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Study claims goats can detect human emotions

Goats can tell if humans are happy or angry based on their tone of voice.

A new study suggests that the animals have developed a sensitivity to vocals, as a result of their long association with people that dates back 10,000 years.

Goats are also capable of understanding physical gestures and can tell the difference between a smile and a scowl -- suggesting that the creatures are smarter than they are given credit for.

Professor Alan McElligott, leader of the study at City University of Hong Kong, said: "This study offers the first evidence that goats can discriminate between cues expressed in the human voice, namely, emotional valence.

"These findings contribute to the limited literature available indicating livestock, like companion animals, are sensitive to human emotional cues."

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Cardio fitness cuts prostate cancer risk

Men can reduce their risk of prostate cancer by 35 per cent just by getting fitter.

Boosting cardiorespiratory fitness by only three per cent over the course of a year, through jogging, cycling or swimming, has been linked to a significantly lower chance of developing the disease -- a study has found.

The results have led to experts encouraging men to boost their fitness levels to help reduce the danger of the deadly disease.

The study's co-author Dr Kate Bolam, of the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, said: "The more intense activity, the lower the requirement for duration and frequency.

"Also, getting more muscles involved will have greater aerobic challenge on the cardiovascular system.

"Hence, activities that involve the lower body... brisk walking or jogging, hiking, activities that you are barely not able to keep up a conversation while doing... or that preferably also include both arms and legs are recommended for more significant effect.

"The trick is to challenge your cardiovascular system on a regular basis so it improves to match the requirements placed on it. It could even be line dancing, if that gets your heart rate up and you have fun."