The Mad Men of Science: One kept a cow in his flat, another climbed trees to avoid colleagues, a third's party trick was swallowing knives... but these are the men who understand the universe best

The article highlights three eccentric scientists with unusual habits, such as keeping a cow in a flat, climbing trees to avoid colleagues, and swallowing knives at parties. Despite their quirks, these individuals are portrayed as some of the best minds in understanding the universe.