WEIRD STUFF

Noah's Ark may have been found

An archaeological discovery could prove the existence of Noah's Ark.

Experts at the Mount Ararat and Noah's Ark Research team have made the findings after collecting rock and soil samples from the summit of the mountain on the Turkey-Iran border, which has a shape resembling that of a ship and dimensions that mirror the boat's description in the Bible.

The rock and soil samples were found to contain traces of clay-like materials, marine deposits and seafood remnants after analysis from boffins at Istanbul Technical University.

It was then determined that the materials were between 3,500 and 5,000 years old, which coincides with the time frame associated with the era of the biblical flood, where the boat came to the rescue of animals.

The researchers said: "Our studies show that this region harboured life in that period and that, at some point, it was covered by water, which reinforces the possibility that a catastrophic event of great magnitude occurred."

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Children who eat fish are friendly, study finds

A new study from the University of Bristol has found that kids who regularly eat seafood are likely to be friendlier than those who do not.

Experts say that fish is a plentiful source of omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and iodine, which are thought to play an important role in brain development and cognitive function.

Youngsters who didn't eat fish were more likely to display "suboptimal prosocial behaviour".

'Prosocial' behaviours include friendly interactions, altruism and sharing.

Dr Caroline Taylor, associate professor of nutrition at the university, said: "Our previous studies have found that eating fish during pregnancy in the UK can have a positive effect on child development.

"This has also been found in countries where fish intakes are higher than they are here, so encouraging fish consumption is likely to have a positive effect on child development.

"Our evidence to link fish consumption in children with the best behavioural development is clear, and we strongly recommend parents to provide at least two portions of fish a week, in accordance with NHS guidelines."

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Goats declared smartest farm animal

In a landmark study, scientists from the University of Aberystwyth assessed the ability of three animals -- goats, sheep and alpacas -- to process information.

The experts analysed their ability to understand that objects still exist when they are no longer visible, a useful skill for tracking herd members or predators.

The animals were tasked with finding objects hidden under cups and were given food treats if they answered correctly.

It was found that goats had the most success on the tasks, while the sheep and alpacas found it hard to track the items as the tests became increasingly complicated.

Megan Quail, lead author of the research, said: "This study is the first to directly compare the cognitive abilities of several domesticated livestock species.

"We found that goats demonstrated the greatest capacity to understand that objects still exist even when they are hidden -- this could be linked to their need to be more selective in their eating habits.

"It may also be a sign of goats' greater environmental awareness than sheep or alpacas."