SCIENCE

Yeah, you read that right. What else do you need to know, really? (Washington Post)

Do we smell a citizen science project?

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A 17th century flatologist studies a flatulent monkey.
Engraving courtesy the Wellcome Library, London. CC-BY-4.0

Discussion Ideas

• So, scientists have compiled a database of animal farts. What are farts?
  • Farts, also known as flatulence, describe gas generated or held in the stomach or intestines, and expelled through the anus.
  • Farting is literally passing gas: the root word of flatulence is the Latin word flatus, meaning “a blowing, breaking wind.”
  • The scientific study of farts is called flatology. Really!
  • Those who have the ability to fart at will are known as flatulists, and have been entertaining people for more than 1,500 years. (And that’s just documented. Our guess is…