The laser light dims within seconds when the plastic comes into contact with even the tiniest emission of vapour.

BBC: Plastic lasers shed light on hidden explosives

"Einstein's theory of general relativity tells us that mass bends space and time, so when light comes toward us through the Universe, if it passes some dark matter, its light gets bent and the image we see gets bent and distorted, " Dr Heymans told the meeting.

BBC: Dark matter hints in widest-yet view of dark mystery

When it comes to light, the company that commissioned it is usually deeply embarrassed, and tries to disown the investigators it has employed.

BBC: I spy with my private eye.....

While Angela Merkel has proved to be no margaret Thatcher on economics, she's light-years ahead of too many British pols when it comes to addressing the importance of fighting terrorists and strengthening ties with Washington.

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