Jane Austen book sells for £375,000

A copy of a Jane Austen novel has become the most expensive of the author’s works ever sold after being bought at auction for £375,000. The first edition of Emma features a handwritten message “from the author”, said The Guardian. The paper added that it has been deposited at the former home of Austen’s brother, now a research institution specialising in women’s writing, “after its American buyer insisted it stay in the UK”. Katie Childs, the chief executive of the institution, said she was “delighted such a significant work of Austen’s will take its place amongst the literary treasures in our collection”.

UK twins set record with huge pumpkin

Twin brothers have set a new record for the UK’s biggest pumpkin with a gourd weighing a colossal 2,656 lbs, reported The Telegraph. Ian and Stuart Paton, both 61, broke their own previous record, set two years ago, with the gigantic pumpkin. “This will probably be the biggest pumpkin in the world this year,” said Ian. “Although we do have another monster that is going to be weighed at the weekend which will be in with a chance of winning the world record.” Asked if the brothers also grow “normal” size pumpkins, Ian replied: “No, go big, or go home.”

Worm saliva can tackle plastic pollution

The saliva of a humble worm “may hold the key to tackling one of the worst forms of plastic pollution, reported the BBC. Researchers in Spain said they’ve discovered chemicals in the wax worm’s saliva that break down polyethylene, a tough and durable material. Just one hour’s “exposure to the drool”, added the broadcaster, degrades the plastic as much as years of weathering. The team said the study showed insect saliva may be “a depository of degrading enzymes which could revolutionise [the cleanup of polluting waste]”.