‘Laser cloak’ could protect Earth from alien invaders

The astronomers are betting we don’t actually want to know what’s out there. Photo: Getty

A pair of US astronomers say Earth can be hidden from aliens by shining lasers into space. David Kipping and Alex Teachey say such a method could prevent potential aliens from noticing when the planet appears in front of the sun and blocks out starlight – the method humans use to discover other distant planets. They’re concerned visiting aliens could bring conflict and disease. Read more

Plane forced to turn back after passenger insists on doing yoga

The man could face up to 20 years in jail for his actions. Photo: Getty

A plane heading to Japan from Hawaii has been forced to turn around to drop off an unruly 72-year-old who refused to listen to the cabin crew and stop doing yoga. The man reportedly wanted to do meditation and yoga during meal service to calm himself down. He started yelling and getting aggressive after members of the crew and his wife tried to get him to return to his seat. Several US Marines had to help the crew subdue him. Read more

Virtual cremation ‘attraction’ offers glimpse of death

Participants said the simulation changed their views on life and death. Photo: Getty

Chinese organisers have set up a cremation simulation in Shanghai to allow participants to overcome fears of death and appreciate life better. Visitors to the attraction lie in a mock chamber as virtual flames surround them, representing what it would be like to really be cremated. They are then ‘reborn’ by pushing their way through a circular hole. Read more

Five men jailed for stealing $20,000 of biscuits

Would you risk it for a biscuit? Photo: Getty

A gang of five men have all been sentenced to jail this week over the theft of $20,000 worth of Jammie Dodgers biscuits. The gang had infiltrated the factory in stolen vehicles, pretending to be staff from a delivery service. The truck was later found, but the biscuits and other food products have never been recovered. The prison sentences range from 16 to 44 months. Read more

Dogs taught to fly planes

Apparently old dogs can learn new tricks. Photo: Twitter

A New Zealand animal behaviourist Mark Vette has taught three rescue dogs how to fly a plane. He wished to test the cognitive abilities of canines as a part of a television program. Only three dogs made it through every stage of the extensive training, which used specially designed simulators. Since the filming of the documentary, Vette has adopted one of his flying protégé pooches, Reggie. Read more