As the dust settles on Egypt's recent protests, one less-discussed outcome of the uprising is the damage done to some of the country's ancient artifacts. After would-be looters broke into the famous Egyptian museum in Cairo in search of gold on Jan. 29, approximately 70 artifacts were damaged.

Among the items were several small statues, a 3,000-year-old tomb, and a statue of King Tutankhamun. The king, who formerly stood atop a panther, was severed from the animal after the break-in.

With some twenty-five artifacts now in line for restoration, we looked further into the science of conservation.

Western conservators, Jett explained, are always careful to make sure their work is reversible. In other words, they are careful not to make any permanent changes to the art. "Here in the west we follow a certain rule of ethics," he said.

To do so, scientists and conservators use special adhesives to glue the broken pieces together, such as a formula called Aquazol, which is water soluble. Acrylic adhesive and water-soluble resin are also used....