Alan Burdick

Guatemala court annuls Rios Montt genocide conviction

reuters.com — Credit: Reuters/Jorge Dan Lopez Former Guatemalan dictator Efrain Rios Montt is surrounded by the media after he was sentenced for genocide charges in the Supreme Court of Guatemala City May 10, 2013. Rios Montt was found guilty on May 10 of overseeing the deliberate killings by the armed forces of at least 1,771 members of the Maya Ixil population during his 1982-83 rule.

Viruses in the gut protect from infection

nature.com — "Mucus is everywhere," says microbiologist Jeremy Barr. Almost every animal uses it to make a barrier that protects tissues that are exposed to the environment, such as the gut or lungs. Now, Barr and a team of researchers have discovered that mucus is also the key to an ancient partnership between animals and viruses.

Go Inside a Bears Mouth as It Eats a GoPro

wired.com — This video shows the last thing you'll see if you tangle with a grizzly. Warning: It's gross. A GoPro camera captured the inside of a bear's mouth as it tried to eat the camera. (Technically it was captured by the bear...) If you've ever wanted to see the inside of a hungry bears mouth, now's your chance.

Watch a Caterpillar Morph Into a Butterfly in 3-D

wired.com — For the first time, scientists have captured 3-D images of caterpillars caught in the process of morphing into butterflies.

Physician, hack thyself

news.yahoo.com — My friend Adam, an obstetrician, was getting married. It was the early 1990s. Beside his bride he beamed in the receiving line. "Congratulations, Adam! You look amazing!" I said, adding awkwardly: "Jeez, how'd you lose so much weight?" "The old-fashioned way," the good doctor said. "Laxatives and speed." Laxatives and speed.

The Uncanny Face Model They Made With Richard III's Skull

theatlantic.com — Let's say, just hypothetically, that you have exhumed what you believe to be the body of an infamous British monarch from beneath a parking lot in Leicester, England.

Shipping A 50-Foot Magnet Across The U.S., For Physics

popsci.com — From New York, around Florida and up the Mississippi, all to study a subatomic particle that only lives two millionths of a second. After the discovery of the Higgs boson last summer, particle physicists are exploring new avenues to help shed light on how the universe works.

Microbes in Pool Filter Backwash as Evidence of the Need for Improved Swimmer Hygiene - Metro-Atlanta, Georgia, 2012

cdc.gov — Filters physically remove contaminants, including microbes, from water in treated recreational water venues, such as pools. Because contaminants accumulate in filters, filter concentrates typically have a higher density of contamination than pool water. During the 2012 summer swimming season, filter concentrate samples were collected at metro-Atlanta public pools.

Hilary Mantel - By the Book - NYTimes.com

nytimes.com — The author of "Wolf Hall" and "Bring Up the Bodies" prefers books with action: "I don't like overrefinement, or to dwell in the heads of vaporous ladies with fine sensibilities." What's the best book you read in the last year? The term "best" would have to stretch.