19th-Century Martial Arts Manual for Cops – Secrets in the News: January 30 – February 5, 2016

19th-Century Martial Arts for Cops (Image from book, in public domain)

1. Martial Arts Manual for Cops Revealed
A newly translated 19th-century book describes martial arts techniques designed to help police officers in Japan. The book with illustrated instructions was written by samurai and published in 1888. Read more at LiveScience.

2. DNA Study Shows Vikings Were Plagued by Intestinal Parasites
A study conducted on remains of 1,000-year-old parasite eggs recovered from Viking feces reveals that both the Vikings and their domestic animals were plagued by parasites. Read more at ScienceNordic.

3. Machu Picchu No Longer on the Endangered Heritage List of UNESCO
After an inspection led by UNESCO members at the Historic Sanctuary in Cusco, the group approved progress made at the famous Inca citadel in the Andes. Read more at Peru This Week.

4. On This Day: January 30
Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement, was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by the Hindu fanatic Nathuram Godse. He was 78 years old and on his way to address a prayer meeting when he was shot. Read more at History Today.

5. A Trumpet Retrieved from a World War II Shipwreck Could Still Hold Its Owner’s DNA
After almost 75 years, a trumpet found among the wreckage of the USS Houston, one of the United States’ most storied World War II vessels, might lead researchers to its owner’s family. According to conservators, the battered brass instrument might still contain traces of the unknown musician’s DNA. Read more at Smithsonian.