Penguin poo sends scientists ‘completely cuckoo’

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.”

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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––