This terrifying virus is causing a global health crisis

Posted by Anonymous on January 29, 2016

January 28

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The Zika outbreak hits the Americas

"Spreading explosively" aren't words you want to hear about a virus. But that's what's happening with the Zika virus in the Americas, the World Health Organization said Thursday. More than 20 countries and territories have detected the mosquito-borne virus since May. Why it matters: The virus is associated with birth defects, such as babies born with abnormally small heads. It's important to note that while a number of travelers returning to the U.S. had been infected with the virus, the USA has not yet seen an outbreak of the virus here.

2016 is its own unique political beast

Remember 2008, the historic election of Barack Obama and the never-ending Palin-isms ? That year has nothing on this one. Just ask 2008 GOP nominee John McCain. "I've never seen anything like this," he said on Late Night With Seth Meyers. Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders are tapping into people's anger at the government, he said. Trump in particular continues to prove that conventional political wisdom doesn't apply to him. See whether that continues to be true at tonight's #GOPDebate, which the Donald is skipping.

Pentagon: Join us, we'll give you maternity leave

Good news is coming for those serving in the military: Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced that all female servicemembers will receive 12 weeks of maternity leave. The plan may get mixed reactions depending on the service branch. It's an increase for the Army and Air Force, but a reduction in leave now allowed in the Navy and Marine Corps. The move is part of a series of personnel initiatives aimed at making military careers more appealing.

DeLoreans are back. Flux capacitor not included.

We're going back to the future. Wait, no, the past. This is confusing. Marty McFly and Doc Brown made the DeLorean a cultural icon in the 1980s, and if you've ever dreamed of owning one (gull-wing doors!), this is pretty much the best news ever. DeLorean Motor is planning to build replicas of its famed Back to the Future car, with 300 set to go on sale in early 2017. Refurbished DeLoreans cost $45,000 to $55,000. The replicas will cost closer to $100,000. Great Scott!

Barbie shows us real beauty does, in fact, have a waist

If you look like Barbie, you're probably really hungry. Or really plastic. Mattel, the company that makes Barbie, finally gets this, so it's been transforming the doll over the past couple of years to make her look more like an actual human. Mattel announced Thursday that Barbie will now come in tall, petite and curvy body types. The new shapes mark the first time Barbie is available in a figure beyond her stick-thin frame. Cake to celebrate.

Contributing: Associated Press