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Scientists have found a way to transform the gas created by the bovine digestive system into fuel, an innovation that could curb greenhouse gases that cause global warming.
Using a system of valves and pumps, the experimental technique developed by Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) channels the digestive gases from bovine stomach cavities through a tube and into a tank.
The gases — which otherwise are commonly known as burps, or “eruptos” in Spanish — are then processed to separate methane from other gases such as carbon dioxide.
Methane is the main component of natural gas, used to fuel everything from cars to power plants.
“Once you get it compressed, it’s the same as having natural gas,” said Guillermo Berra, head of INTA’s animal physiology group.
“As an energy source it is not very practical at the moment, but if you look ahead to 2050, when fossil fuel reserves are going to be in trouble, it is an alternative,” he told Reuters.
Each head of cattle emits between 250 and 300 litres of pure methane a day, enough energy to keep a refrigerator running for 24 hours.
Argentina is one of the world’s top beef exporters, with around 51m heads of cattle. Gases emitted from those animals account for 30% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, according to INTA, with methane having 23 times the global warming effect as carbon dioxide.
“This is also a way to mitigate that,” said Berra.
A small-town mayor in Pennsylvania has an unusual campaign message: Don’t vote for me.
Bob Wiser is running unopposed for a second term as mayor of Port Matilda.
The 70-year-old recently decided he would rather leave the post but missed the August deadline for taking his name off the ballot.
He said he enjoyed his time in office but has lost interest and is tired of arguing with the borough council.
Shipping containers will provide temporary accommodation for people with a history of homelessness.
The first of six containers has arrived in Brighton, East Sussex, with a further 30 arriving by the end of the week, the Brighton Housing Trust said.
The converted containers will provide temporary homes, for a period of five years, in the city’s New England Quarter for 36 men and women with a history of homelessness, the charity said.
Ross Gilbert, from developers QED, said the first residents are expected to move into the containers in about five weeks, turning the “exciting and innovative housing concept into reality”.
Calorie-conscious quaffers can now enjoy a new “skinny” champagne.
Grand Cru Cuvee Champagne has half the calories of the average bottle of bubbly, according to former BBC broadcaster and the founder of champagne sales company Thomson & Scott, Amanda Thomson. The diet-friendly tipple is produced by Alexandre Penet.
Thomson said: “We know that the British have a history of loving champagne, but in today’s more calorie-conscious market, I’ve found a producer who delivers a deliciously dry champagne, but with no added sugar. Momentum for skinny champagne is really growing and I am proud to be the one to launch it.”
A cat has been busted for smuggling cannabis into a prison in Moldova. Guards became suspicious after it routinely entered and left through a hole in a fence.
On closer inspection, they found two packets of marijuana attached to its collar.
The department of Penitentiary Institutions said that someone in the village of Pruncul was using the cat as a courier to supply inmates at the local prison.
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