Believe it or not, seaweed may be the antidote to cow’s methane burps: Farmers have been experimenting with adding seaweed to cows’ diets in an attempt to curb methane emissions caused by the livestock, Bloomberg reports. A new discovery has revealed the red algae species Asparagopsis contain bioactive compounds which prevent methane from forming in the stomach, but marine farmers do not have the supply to meet farmers’ demands. In response to this dilemma, Australian startup Rumin8 is aiming to ​​manufacture lab-formulated synthetic alternatives to seaweed to reduce methane by over 95% by next year.

Why does it matter? Cows can release up to 500 liters of methane a day — contributing 3.7% of total emissions, according to data released by the European Commission. Feeding cows more maize, barley or garlic can help reduce methane emissions.

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