Ancient Society

Stunning jade mask found inside the tomb of a mysterious Maya king: National Geographic – Jan. 26

But that’s exactly what researchers recently discovered at the site, in the form of a mysterious, interlocking jade mask believed to have belonged to a previously unknown Maya king. University of Alabama archaeologist Alexandre Tokovinine, who specializes in Maya epigraphy, helped Estrada-Belli decode the glyphs, unlocking the secrets of the identities of both the ruler—Itzam Kokaj Bahlam (“sun god/bird/jaguar”)—and the god.

Voting Behavior

Voting is bewildering this primary season. That worries experts: The Seattle Times – Jan. 29

As voters enter an election year in which many feel that democracy itself is on the ballot, they face a bewildering set of dates and procedures to choose their presidential nominees. Enrijeta Shino, an assistant professor of political science at The University of Alabama who studies voting behavior, said complications like those in this year’s primary elections would probably have a greater impact if they happened in a general election.

Cicada Surge

UA professor: Summer cicada surge could make for a tasty treat: Alabama Public Radio – Feb. 1

In Alabama, the sound of cicadas often signals the beginning of summer. This year, their signature seasonal signal is expected to be a little louder…“They’re not really hibernating. They’re actually feeding on the roots. The nymphs, or the babies, are feeding on the roots of trees during that time period,” John Abbott, an associate professor and Chief Curator and Director of Museum Research and Collections at The University of Alabama, explained. “The reason that they are staying underground has to do with, basically, synchronized emergence.”

Paul R. Jones Museum

Black History Month: UA’s Paul R. Jones Museum aims to elevate African-American art: Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 1

Visitors who walk into Paul R. Jones Museum in downtown Tuscaloosa will experience a one-of-a-kind collection that provides a closer look into African-American art. Paul Raymond Jones, a Bessemer native, donated his 1,700-plus piece collection, valued at more than $10.3 million, to the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama in October 2008.