WEIRD STUFF

Cows get custom-made toilets

Cattle in Switzerland are being given their own toilet.

The innovation, which was displayed to the public at the Roosli family farm in Hellbuhl, canton Lucerne last Wednesday, aims to reduce ammonia emissions from each cow by 44 per cent.

This is done by the toilet stopping the cow's urine and faeces from mixing.

When the animals need to do their business, they are lured into the free-standing toilet with a 1kg feed.

After they've had something to eat, their udder and vulva are stimulated so it motivates the cows to urinate.

Once a head of cattle has peed, workers use a bowl to collect it, before it is stored and used as a nitrogen fertiliser.

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Chihuahuas let out the smelliest farts

A new study among dog owners in the United Kingdom has revealed Chihuahuas to be the dogs with the smelliest farts.

The study, conducted by study by Burns Pet Nutrition, found that people who own Rottweilers find them to be the second smelliest.

The breed whose farts were ranked the third smelliest is the Pomeranian.

They were followed by the Border Terrier, King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Dachshund, Boxers and Golden Retrievers.

The least smelliest dog breeds included Schnauzers and Beagles.

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135-year-old tortoise is a father at last

A 135-year-old Galapagos tortoise has become a father for the first time.

Goliath, who weighs a whopping 517 lb had finally sired a hatchling after his partner, Sweet Pea, laid eight eggs at Zoo Miami in January and one baby emerged on June 4 following a 128-day incubation

This is the first time a Galapagos tortoise has ever hatched at Zoo Miami, making it a double milestone. And Goliath is now the oldest male parent in the world.

Zoo Miami is seeking recognition from Guinness World Records for both Goliath and Sweet Pea, who, at around 85-100 years old, might be the oldest mum ever.

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Arrogant people linked to twisted beliefs

Arrogant people are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories, according to a new study from the University of Birmingham.

Researchers found that arrogance fuels a "knock them down" mood, making individuals prone to distrusting experts and embracing wild claims.

One scientist said: "Feelings of disadvantage spark spite which, in turn, makes people highly receptive to conspiracy theories."

This isn't a one-off quirk, as a separate published study backs it up and shows that people high in narcissism tend to ignore facts and dig in behind fringe beliefs, regardless of the evidence against them.

Research shows that workplace bullying can feed conspiratorial thinking and those theories, in turn, prey on vulnerable groups, causing fear and panic.

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'Demonic' worms invade Texas

Texas has been invaded by "demonic" flesh-eating worms.

The wriggling horrors, with heads shaped like miniature hammers, can grow up to a foot long and drag themselves into yards and driveways, much to the surprise of local residents.

The worms release a neurotoxin that can irritate human skin and sicken pets that nibble on them.

One resident even said seeing them felt like "the end times... even the worms are demonic".

Terrifyingly, a new worm emerges if the creatures are cut in half.

Officials in the US state warn: "Cut it, now you've got two."

People have been urged to spray the worms with salt and vinegar before placing them in a plastic bag and are advised not to use gloves or a paper towel when moving the invertebrates to avoid skin irritation.

Chris Girard, a resident of Texas state capital Austin, said: "I found three of these hammerhead worms on my front porch!

"They are toxic to the touch and are harmful to humans and pets alike. I killed these with salt... they shrivelled up quickly. Eyes open!"