This Week in the World looks at this week’s most interesting stories out of the photo world.

Adobe made the Lightroom 5 beta public this week in conjunction with the opening of Photoshop World 2013. Some of the new features include non-circular spotting, radial filter, and PNG support. The beta closes in June. No official release date has been announced yet. (via Pixiq)

A photographer in Belarus was charged and killed by a beaver whose picture the man was attempting to take. (via PetaPixel)

Nikon patented a lens authentication system that would require users to enter a passcode before being able to use a lens, effectively rendering stolen lenses useless. (via Pop Photo)

Sony launched Sony α Portal, a tutorial microsite for beginner DSLR shooters. (via PetaPixel)

500px recently redesigned its online photo portfolios. The changes are expected to go live sometime in May. (via DP Review)

The 2013 Pulitzer Prizes were announced, and images from the Syrian civil war won both photography categories. (via PDN Pulse)

Adobe gave an advanced preview of their new shake reduction tool (video below), which will help photographers reduce blur caused by camera shake in post. (via PetaPixel)

Google released tech specs for Google Glass, including a 5 MP camera with 720p video capture capabilities. (via DP Review)

Last, but certainly not least, Sigma announced an 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma APS-C DSLRs. (via DP Review)

And in case you missed it . . .

Part I of our special Hometown Heroes series kicked off with a feature on OSU Photoleague Top in Show winner Christy Bindas.

We geared up with a Nikon D50 converted for infrared photography, which can be found in our rentals department.

And March photo contest winner Kara McDonald detailed how she made her winning image, “Lightning Bug.”