Sheep dung impaled on a pin is being zapped by lasers to reveal which plants
the animals prefer. The US Agricultural Research Service is carrying out the
tests. The laser generates a pattern of light wavelengths, revealing which
chemicals are present. Some chemicals appear only in certain plants, allowing
the researchers to determine sheep鈥檚 preferred diets.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Mind
THC in cannabis may reduce nightmares in people with PTSD
News
Environment
Fishers detonate a bomb every hour on one Indonesian coral reef
News
Environment
How bad is the UK drought and how long will it continue?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles