Forget about massive SUVs for a minute: according to Australian scientists, cows are responsible for emitting significant quantities of greenhouse gas.

Farting cows - or rather the enteric methane they release -  take the blame for 14 per cent of Australian emissions. In an effort combat this problem, these scientists are working to produce kangaroo-style stomachs in cattle and sheep. Kangaroos are apparently the opposite, as their flatulence produces no methane due to a bacteria that exists in their stomachs. It will take some time before this becomes a reality; researchers say they are a minimum of three years away from isolating the bacteria, let alone transferring it to other animals.

I can't imagine what one of those scientists puts on their resume at the end of this project. I'm sure there must be scientific terms to describe such a feat, but if a potential employer is well-versed enough in the lingo he or she will be able to interpret fairly easily. "So according to your resume, you spent the past three years working to make cow farts more eco friendly?" Very impressive.

» The Age