While it is generally accepted that artists, not aliens, are responsible for the mysterious and intricate patterns that appear in farmers' cereal fields, how they create such large-scale patterns without leaving a trace of evidence remains a mystery. It is hard to imagine how the enormous, symmetrical and intricate designs could be created, and that puzzle has led to crop circles becoming a platform for all sorts of conspiracy and UFO-related theories. But some believe that association is holding back research that could progress agronomy, and is stifling the opportunity to study a living art movement. Professor Richard Taylor, who lectures in art, physics and psychology at the University of Oregon in the United States, said more effort should be made to figure out the who and the how of crop circles. "I just find it absolutely fascinating that each year around the world these crop circles keep on appearing and it remains a mystery," Professor Taylor said. According to websites that