Penguin poo sends scientists ‘completely cuckoo’
And other stories from the stranger side of life
Scientists say they have got high on the nitrous oxide released by penguin poo. The levels of the laughing gas given off by the faeces of a colony on the Atlantic island of South Georgia was about 100 times higher than in a fertilised field. Professor Bo Elberling, of the University of Copenhagen, said the “truly intense” amount of nitrous oxide inhaled was enough to send someone “completely cuckoo”.
Harry Potter book found in skip auctions for £33,000
A first edition of Harry Potter book which was found in a skip has sold for £33,000 at auction. The rare hardback of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was discovered by a teacher outside a school while tidying its library before an Ofsted inspection. After the auction, he said: “To say I'm pleased is an understatement.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Cows trot through Welsh town
A herd of cows has trotted through the streets of a Welsh town. A video shows one of the cows has a plastic chair stuck over its head. Noah Williamson, 12, filmed the footage in Southgate, Gower, after he and his brother darted out of the way of the oncoming animals.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'It may not be surprising that creative work is used without permission'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
5 simple items to help make your airplane seat more comfortable
The Week Recommends Gel cushions and inflatable travel pillows make a world of difference
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
How safe are cruise ships in storms?
The Explainer The vessels are always prepared
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Zoos offer cockroach naming and hippo poo candles
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
NHS tells Scots to walk like penguins
Tall Tales Walk like penguins in the snow, says NHS
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Experts discover why dogs wag their tails
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Peruvian 'aliens' aren't really aliens
Tall Tales And other stories from stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Woman accidentally puts nan in washing machine
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Couple sues after ‘farting dog’ ruins flight
feature And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
Experts suggest the real-life Dracula was vegan
feature And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
Pedants forgive Waterstones over apostrophe
feature And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published