Weird Wednesday ~ Strange but True

Fruits of research

It's healthier to pass gas when flying than hold it in, according to a team of British and Danish gastroenterologists. Their report, "Flatulence on Airplanes: Just Let It Go," published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, explains that restraining gas could lead to "significant drawbacks," including discomfort, pain, bloating, indigestion, stress and heartburn. "Obviously," the report acknowledges, "proximity to other passengers may cause conflict and stigmatization of the flatulating individual." (QMI Agency)

Carnivore's revenge

Leafy green vegetables cause the most food-borne illnesses in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Most of the contaminants are noroviruses deposited by food handlers. According to the CDC study, plants cause 51 percent of the 9.6 million cases of food-borne illnesses reported each year, with leafy greens contributing 23 percent of the total. Meat and poultry combined for 22 percent of illnesses, and dairy products caused 17 percent. (Popular Science)

Hare-raising tales

Rabbits have been plaguing cars parked at Denver International Airport. "They like to chew on the insulator portion of the ignition cables," Wiley Farris of Arapahoe Autotek repair shop explained. To discourage the rabbits, U.S. Department of Agriculture wildlife agents remove about 100 a month, while airport parking companies are installing better fences and building perches for predator hawks and eagles. Noting that damage to cars "can run from the hundreds into the thousands" of dollars, Farris said a cheap but effective deterrent is to coat the wires with fox or coyote urine. "You can pick up fox urine at any pro hunting shop." (Denver's KCNC-TV)