Research vessel Polarstern visits Australia for the first time

Embassy reception on board at harbour call in Hobart, Tasmania, between two Antarctic expeditions

Business Announcement

ALFRED WEGENER INSTITUTE, HELMHOLTZ CENTRE FOR POLAR AND MARINE RESEARCH

 

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RV POLARSTERN IN EAST ANTARCTICA

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CREDIT: ALFRED WEGENER INSTITUTE / MARCUS GUTJAHR, GEOMAR

She has been travelling in the Arctic and Antarctic in the service of research for over 40 years, but there are still areas that are new territory even for the Polarstern: Between two expeditions to East Antarctica, the Alfred Wegener Institute's research icebreaker reached Hobart in Tasmania on 30 January 2024 and will remain there until 6 February. The German Embassy in Australia, together with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the AWI, is inviting representatives from politics, science and society to a celebratory reception on board to mark the first attempt.

Polar research vessels are well known in Hobart, as the Australian Antarctic Research Programme is based there and the city is the starting point for expeditions by the research vessel RSV Nuyina. However, Germany's only research icebreaker Polarstern is on site for the first time in its 40 years of service - and this will be celebrated in style: The German Embassy in Australia, together with the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) and supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), is inviting around 70 people from politics, research and society to a celebratory reception on 5 February. The Governor of Tasmania will also be there. The Polarstern crew and participants in the Antarctic expeditions will show the guests around the ship and report on current research into understanding feedbacks between ice, ocean and atmosphere in East Antarctica. Together with the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel and the Christian August University of Kiel as well as their Australian and international partners, the AWI is conducting three expeditions as part of the EASI – “East Antarctic Ice Sheet Instabilities” initiative to investigate the history of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet and its interaction with circulation changes in the Southern Ocean.

Barbara Baker, Governor of Tasmania, says on the occasion of the Polarstern call:
“The Polarstern, research vessel of the Federal Republic of Germany, is most welcome in Hobart during the current East Antarctic expeditions. Hobart is proud to be one of the world’s five Antarctic gateway cities and is the formal gateway city to East Antarctica. Hobart has a longstanding and highly professional commitment to the care and management of the Antarctic, with many public and private organisations having some form of involvement in Antarctic matters. Our city is a centre of Antarctic science, education, research, and logistics, with our University of Tasmania Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and our Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) having a significant role. Hobart is also the headquarters of the CCAMLR Secretariat and hosts the annual meetings of Members, Acceding States and interested parties, at which critical deliberations help ensure the conservation of Antarctic marine life.”

Beate Grzeski, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Australia, explains:
“Climate action is a high priority for the German government. Internationally, Germany is a driving force in climate action, together with its partners in the ‘Climate Club’ - of which Australia is also a member. Climate research is an important pillar of German climate foreign policy: the scientific basis is fundamental for understanding the consequences of climate change and advancing climate action. Together with Australia, Germany is committed to drastically reducing global and national greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating the global energy transition by expanding renewable energies and supporting affected countries - particularly the Pacific Island states in the region - in mitigation and adaptation. A new component of our commitment are the ‘Climate Talks’, which will be held in Australia for the first time in 2024 and are intended to stimulate exchange between climate science, politics and civil society. As a joint project between the German Embassy Canberra, the Alfred Wegener Institute, the Australia-Germany Research Network, the Tasmanian Government and the City of Hobart, the Hobart Climate Talk, which takes place on the occasion of the visit of the Polarstern, also stands for the close relations in climate and science policy between Germany and Australia.”

Antje Boetius, Director of the Alfred Wegener Institute, says:
“We hope to learn more about the future from the past interaction of the Earth's climate with the Antarctic ice sheets. Australia is a strong research partner in this respect. We are all concerned that there has been less sea ice in the Antarctic in recent years than ever before since satellite observations began. The current sea ice extent is also far below the long-term trend. Without sea ice, the warm ocean is increasingly gnawing away at the Antarctic ice sheets, as reported by the Polarstern expedition to East Antarctica, which has just ended. Unfortunately, the Antarctic ice masses have the potential to cause sea levels to rise by dozens of metres in the coming centuries as global warming progresses. In order to be able to model this more accurately, more and better data is needed through international cooperation. I am very pleased that we can use Polarstern’s first port call in Tasmania to plan future research projects with our Australian partners, such as the UN Ocean Decade Programme ‘Antarctica InSync’.”

Already on the weekend before the reception (3 and 4 February), there will be a multimedia and photo exhibition on polar research by the AWI and scientific partner institutions supported by the City of Hobart in the city centre. At the “Meet the Scientist” event, interested parties can ask the researchers questions directly. In addition, the German Embassy in Australia will open its ”Climate Talks” series on 5 February with a panel discussion that will be broadcast as a livestream. As this will take place at late night for the German audience, a recording will also be available on demand later. Participants are: AWI Director Prof. Dr Antje Boetius; Prof. Dr Julia Gottschalk, marine geologist at Kiel University; Prof. Matt King, polar physicist and Director of the Australian Centre of Excellence for Antarctic Science (ACEAS); Dr Klaus Meiners, sea ice ecologist at the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) and Karen Rees, Tasmanian Antarctic Advocate.

 

Intensifying the production of high-value compounds from industrial waste

Researchers have developed an innovative process for the production of glycerol carbonate. The process relies on a hybrid approach combining fundamental physical organic chemistry and applied flow process technology. 

Peer-Reviewed Publication

UNIVERSITY OF LIÈGE

 

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UPGRADING OF BIOBASED GLYCEROL AND CO2 TOWARD GLYCEROL CARBONATE UNDER INTENSIFIED CONTINUOUS FLOW WITH ORGANOCATALYSIS

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CREDIT: CITOS/ULIÈGE

A study by the Center for Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis (CiTOS, Univerisity of Liège) demonstrates how glycerol carbonate, a biosourced industrial additive, can be produced in record time using CO2 and a by-product of the cooking oil recycling industry. In collaboration with colleagues from the Center for Studies and Research on Macromolecules (CERM) , this study lays the foundations for continuous industrial production.

Ambitious R&D and production directives in Europe are stimulating the integration of innovative technologies to reduce environmental impact and to move away from an exclusive reliance on petrochemical resources. In this context, researchers at CiTOS - directed by Jean-Chrsitophe Monbaliu - are developing new processes that privilege molecules derived from biomass. Among these biobased molecules, glycerol stands out as a prime target due to its abundance. Glycerol is mainly derived from the biodiesel industry and cooking oil recycling; its low economic value has relegated it to the status of waste until now. Another waste turned public enemy number one, CO2, is an industrial gaseous effluent with low economic value. By combining their respective areas of expertise, the teams at CiTOS (continuous flow organic chemistry in micro/mesofluidic reactors and upgrading of biobased compounds) and CERM (synthesis of organic materials from CO2) are developing new methods to valorize glycerol and CO2 toward high value-added molecules.

Glycerol carbonate, which formally results from the condensation glycerol and CO2, has recently become a rising star. It offers several advantages over other petroleum-based carbonates such as ethylene and propylene carbonates, which are key electrolyte carriers in lithium batteries. Its significantly lower flammability could greatly reduce the fire risks inherent in these batteries. The carbonate can also be used as a biolubricant, formulation agent, or alternative green solvent. "Despite such potential, the current market for glycerol carbonate remains very limited," comments Jean-Christophe Monbaliu. "The main reason is that current production processes are slow and expensive. Our work is in the process of changing that," he continues.

The work is based on a hybrid approach combining fundamental and applied organic chemistry: a detailed study of the mechanism through quantum chemistry and its deployment under mesofluidic conditions converge toward a unique intensified process. The process, validated at the pilot scale, transforms a direct derivative of glycerol, namely glycidol, in the presence of CO2 and an organic catalyst into glycerol carbonate. The efficiency of the process, which reaches completion in less than 30 seconds, far surpasses all current processes for glycerol carbonate production. "Such favorable metrics open unprecedented perspectives for potential future industrialization," concludes Jean-Christophe Monbaliu."

 

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JOURNAL

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

DOI

10.1002/anie.202319060 

ARTICLE TITLE

Intensified Continuous Flow Process for the Scalable Production of Bio-Based Glycerol Carbonate

 

Pandemic lockdowns and water quality: a revealing study on building usage

Peer-Reviewed Publication

CHINESE SOCIETY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

 

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GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT.

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CREDIT: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY

During the COVID-19 pandemic, lower occupancy in buildings led to reduced water use, raising concerns about water quality due to stagnation. Government warnings highlighted increased risks of chemical and microbiological contamination in water systems. Studies showed that reduced usage and stagnation could elevate heavy metal levels and decrease disinfectant effectiveness, affecting microbial growth. To address this, regular fixture flushing was recommended, which temporarily improved water quality but also revealed the complexities of managing building water systems effectively.

In a recent study (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ese.2023.100314) published in Volume 18 of the journal Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, reveals crucial insights into the impact of reduced building occupancy on water quality.

Conducted at Purdue University, this research explored the impact of reduced building occupancy during the COVID-19 pandemic on water quality. The study focused on four buildings with varied characteristics and assessed water quality changes during low-use periods. Monitoring key parameters such as heavy metal concentrations and chlorine levels, it evaluated the effects of water stagnation.

The findings showed that prolonged stagnation led to significant variations in water quality, including changes in heavy metal and chlorine levels. These variations were influenced by factors like the building's age, size, and water system design. The study also assessed the effectiveness of flushing practices, a method to refresh stagnant water in plumbing systems.

The results revealed that while flushing could alleviate some of the negative effects of stagnation, its effectiveness varied across different building types, highlighting the complexity of managing water quality in buildings with changing occupancy levels. This research underscores the importance of developing customized water management strategies, particularly during unexpected events like pandemics, which can significantly alter building usage patterns.

Highlights

• No standard plumbing flushing guidance was available.
• Four low occupancy institutional buildings (with the same source) were sampled.
• Chlorine residual was often not detected across all buildings.
• No chlorine was detected at the entry of 1 building after flushing for 7 h.
• No widespread Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn contamination was found.

Lead researcher Kyungyeon Ra, along with a team from Purdue University, underscores the significance of this research in understanding the changes in water quality due to altered building occupancy patterns during the pandemic.

This study highlights the need for effective water management strategies in buildings with low occupancy. The findings have implications for public health, particularly in understanding and mitigating risks associated with water stagnation and devising appropriate flushing protocols.

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References

DOI

10.1016/j.ese.2023.100314

Original Source URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ese.2023.100314

Funding information

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) RAPID (2027049); The US NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP) Grant under (DGE-1333468). U.S; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding (R836890). The Purdue University Doctoral Fellowship and the Purdue University Lillian Gilbreth Postdoctoral Fellowship.

About Environmental Science and Ecotechnology

Environmental Science and Ecotechnology (ISSN 2666-4984) is an international, peer-reviewed, and open-access journal published by Elsevier. The journal publishes significant views and research across the full spectrum of ecology and environmental sciences, such as climate change, sustainability, biodiversity conservation, environment & health, green catalysis/processing for pollution control, and AI-driven environmental engineering. The latest impact factor of ESE is 12.6, according to the Journal Citation ReportTM 2022.

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JOURNAL

Environmental Science and Ecotechnology

DOI

10.1016/j.ese.2023.100314 

SUBJECT OF RESEARCH

Not applicable

ARTICLE TITLE

Four buildings and a flush: Lessons from degraded water quality and recommendations on building water management

 

Exploring the unseen: microbial wonders in earth's saltiest waters

Peer-Reviewed Publication

CHINESE SOCIETY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

 

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GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT.

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CREDIT: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY

The study delves into hypersaline lakes in Xinjiang, China, exploring the genetic and metabolic diversity of microbial communities termed "microbial dark matters". Hypersaline lake ecosystems, characterized by extreme salinity, harbor unique microorganisms with largely unexplored biosynthesis and biodegradation capabilities. The research seeks to uncover novel biological compounds and pathways, potentially revolutionizing biotechnology, medicine, and environmental remediation by tapping into the untapped potential of these extremophiles.

A recent study (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ese.2023.100359) published in Volume 20 of the journal Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, explores the largely unknown metabolic capabilities of unclassified microbial species in extreme environments, particularly hypersaline lakes, and their potential applications in biotechnology, medicine, and environmental remediation.

In this detailed study, researchers embarked on a scientific adventure to the salt-rich lakes of Xinjiang, China, aiming to explore the largely unknown world of microbial dark matters. These are microbes that thrive in environments with high levels of salt, which have not been classified due to their elusive nature. Utilizing advanced DNA sequencing techniques, the team cataloged an astonishing variety of over 3,000 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from 82 different families, most of which are new to science. They unearthed more than 9,000 unique biosynthesis gene clusters, 94% of which are novel, indicating a vast, untapped potential for new biological discoveries. This research not only expands our knowledge of life in extreme conditions but also opens exciting possibilities for new technologies and medical breakthroughs, leveraging the untapped resources of these unique microbial communities.

Highlights

• Over 3000 MAGs were obtained from hypersaline lakes that enriched genomic resources.
• Microbial communities were significantly diversified across four hypersaline lakes.
• We identified 8000+ potential biosynthetic gene clusters in uncultured microbes.
• We uncovered biodegradation potential in several microbial dark matter lineages.

Ke Yu, the study's lead researcher, emphasized the significance of these discoveries for biotechnology and environmental remediation, highlighting the untapped potential of microbial dark matters in extreme environments.

The findings open new avenues for biotechnological innovation, emphasizing the untapped potential of microbial diversity in extreme environments. The discovery of novel biosynthesis pathways and biodegradation capabilities in these microbial communities can have far-reaching implications for developing new drugs, biotechnological processes, and environmental remediation methods.

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References

DOI

10.1016/j.ese.2023.100359

Original Source URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ese.2023.100359

Funding information

The National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFA1301300); Nature Science Foundation of China (62202014 and 61972217); Shenzhen Basic Research Programs (JCYJ20190808183205731, JCYJ20220812103301001, and JCYJ20220813151736001); Science and Technology Planning Project of Shenzhen Municipality (JCYJ20200109120416654).

About Environmental Science and Ecotechnology

Environmental Science and Ecotechnology (ISSN 2666-4984) is an international, peer-reviewed, and open-access journal published by Elsevier. The journal publishes significant views and research across the full spectrum of ecology and environmental sciences, such as climate change, sustainability, biodiversity conservation, environment & health, green catalysis/processing for pollution control, and AI-driven environmental engineering. The latest impact factor of ESE is 12.6, according to the Journal Citation ReportTM 2022.

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JOURNAL

Environmental Science and Ecotechnology

DOI

10.1016/j.ese.2023.100359 

SUBJECT OF RESEARCH

Not applicable

ARTICLE TITLE

Unravelling biosynthesis and biodegradation potentials of microbial dark matters in hypersaline lakes

 

Butantan Institute’s dengue vaccine protects 79.6% of those vaccinated, study shows

Data from the Phase 3 clinical trial was published today (Thursday) in The New England Journal of Medicine. The vaccine is safe for both participants who have had dengue and those who have never been exposed to the virus before

Peer-Reviewed Publication

FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO

 

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BATCH USED TO VALIDATE THE VACCINE’S PRODUCTION PROCESS AT THE BUTANTAN INSTITUTE 

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CREDIT: ANDRÉ RICOY/COMUNICAÇÃO BUTANTAN

A single-dose dengue vaccine produced by Butantan Institute in São Paulo state (Brazil) prevents development of the disease in 79.6% of those vaccinated, according to an article published today (February 1) in The New England Journal of Medicine. Called Butantan-DV, the vaccine contains attenuated versions of all four dengue virus serotypes. The results of the ongoing Phase 3 trial show that it is safe and effective for all age groups between 2 and 59, and for people with or without a prior history of infection by dengue virus. 

“Publication of the article in the world’s leading medical journal attests to the rigor and quality of the work done by researchers at 16 Brazilian centers located in all five regions of the country, and coordinated by Butantan Institute,” infectious disease specialist Esper Kallás, first author of the article, told Agência FAPESP. “In June, we’ll complete the five-year follow-up period. Once the data has been consolidated, we’ll know how long the protection induced by the vaccine will last.”

Also according to Kallás, who heads Butantan Institute, the researchers plan to submit a report to ANVISA, Brazil’s health surveillance agency, in the second half of this year in order to apply for registration of the vaccine. “If all goes well, we’ll win definitive approval for the vaccine in 2025. We already have the infrastructure to produce it at Butantan Institute, although it can still be perfected. After all, it’s tetravalent, corresponding to four vaccines in one,” he said.

The article published today describes the results of the first two years of the Phase 3 clinical trial, which began in February 2016 and involves 16,235 participants in 13 states. Preliminary data disclosed by Butantan Institute in December 2022 pointed to overall efficacy of 79.6%. The results for each subgroup evaluated have now been detailed.

Vaccine efficacy was 80.1% for participants aged 2-6, 77.8% for those aged 7-17, and 90.0% for 18-59 age group. Stratification by serological status showed protection for 73.6% of participants with no evidence of prior infection by dengue virus and 89.2% of those previously exposed to the virus. Efficacy was 89.5% against dengue serotype 1 (DENV-1) and 69.6% against serotype 2 (DENV-2). It was not possible to assess the vaccine’s efficacy against serotypes 3 and 4 because they were not circulating during the follow-up period. Most adverse side effects were classified as mild or moderate. The main reactions were pain and redness at the injection site, headache, and fatigue. Severe adverse events relating to the vaccine were recorded for under 0.1% of all those vaccinated, and all of them recovered.

“Findings from Phase 2 [the previous clinical trial] showed that the four attenuated viral serotypes in Butantan-DV multiply in the human organism and induce a balanced response in terms of antibody production. This leads us to conclude that its efficacy against DENV-3 and DENV-4 will also be good,” said virologist Maurício Lacerda Nogueira, one of the coordinators of the trials. “It should be stressed that Butantan Institute’s vaccine has also proved extremely safe for people who have never had dengue, which is an advantage over the vaccines now available on the market. Furthermore, it can be administered to a broader age group and a single dose is sufficient.” Nogueira is a professor at the São José do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP), one of the centers that are running the trials.

Two dengue vaccines have been approved in Brazil to date. One is Dengvaxia, produced by Sanofi Pasteur. This vaccine requires three applications and is indicated for people aged 9-45 who have had dengue. The other is Qdenga, produced by Takeda. Application in Brazil will begin this month, for people aged 4-60, regardless of serological status. Two doses will be needed for full immunization in this case.

Butantan-DV’s single-dose scheme has several advantages, the authors write in the article. In addition to the logistical and economic benefits, rapid protection may be important in the event of an outbreak and for travelers without immunity to places where the disease is endemic.

In Brazil, dengue is considered hyperendemic, meaning its high prevalence remains constant from one year to the next. According to the Health Ministry, 1.6 million probable cases were notified in the first 11 months of 2023. So far this year, the number of probable cases has reached 217,841, according to data disclosed on Tuesday, January 30. Fifteen deaths have been confirmed, and 149 are under investigation. Based on these numbers, the current incidence rate in Brazil is calculated as 107.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and the fatality rate is 0.9%.

Secondary benefits

Development of the tetravalent dengue vaccine began at Butantan Institute in 2010 with FAPESP’s support, using a formulation created by researchers affiliated with the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). Clinical trials in Brazil began in 2013, with the support of Butantan Foundation and BNDES, Brazil’s national development bank, under the aegis of the project “Development of a tetravalent dengue vaccine”, led by Neuza Frazatti Gallina, winner of the 2023 Péter Murányi Prize. The Phase 3 trial, which is set to end in June, may be the largest clinical trial of a vaccine ever conducted solely in Brazil.

“The cost of dengue in Brazil is absurd,” Nogueira said. “The vaccine is expected to reduce mortality and hospitalizations due to the disease, so investment of several hundred million reais by the Brazilian government in the development of an indigenous vaccine will have a huge impact on public health. Secondary benefits can already be observed. The scientists in charge of the trial reported in the article conducted clinical trials of CoronaVac during the COVID-19 pandemic. So we were prepared. Formation of this vaccine research network is a valuable achievement that the Brazilian government must preserve. It will enable us to respond rapidly to future challenges of a similar kind.”

About São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) is a public institution with the mission of supporting scientific research in all fields of knowledge by awarding scholarships, fellowships and grants to investigators linked with higher education and research institutions in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. FAPESP is aware that the very best research can only be done by working with the best researchers internationally. Therefore, it has established partnerships with funding agencies, higher education, private companies, and research organizations in other countries known for the quality of their research and has been encouraging scientists funded by its grants to further develop their international collaboration. You can learn more about FAPESP at www.fapesp.br/en and visit FAPESP news agency at www.agencia.fapesp.br/en to keep updated with the latest scientific breakthroughs FAPESP helps achieve through its many programs, awards and research centers. You may also subscribe to FAPESP news agency at http://agencia.fapesp.br/subscribe.

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JOURNAL

New England Journal of Medicine

DOI

10.1056/NEJMoa2301790 

METHOD OF RESEARCH

Randomized controlled/clinical trial

SUBJECT OF RESEARCH

People

ARTICLE TITLE

Live, Attenuated, Tetravalent Butantan–Dengue Vaccine in Children and Adults

ARTICLE PUBLICATION DATE

1-Feb-2024

QUANTUM SOCIO-BIOLOGY

Swarming cicadas, stock traders, and the wisdom of the crowd

Peer-Reviewed Publication

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

Pick almost any location in the eastern United States – say, Columbus Ohio. Every 13 or 17 years, as the soil warms in springtime, vast swarms of cicadas emerge from their underground burrows singing their deafening song, take flight and mate, producing offspring for the next cycle.

This noisy phenomenon repeats all over the eastern and southeastern US as 17 distinct broods emerge in staggered years. In spring 2024, billions of cicadas are expected as two different broods – one that appears every 13 years and another that appears every 17 years – emerge simultaneously.

Previous research has suggested that cicadas emerge once the soil temperature reaches 18°C, but even within a small geographical area, differences in sun exposure, foliage cover or humidity can lead to variations in temperature.

Now, in a paper published in the journal Physical Review E, researchers from the University of Cambridge have discovered how such synchronous cicada swarms can emerge despite these temperature differences.

The researchers developed a mathematical model for decision-making in an environment with variations in temperature and found that communication between cicada nymphs allows the group to come to a consensus about the local average temperature that then leads to large-scale swarms. The model is closely related to one that has been used to describe ‘avalanches’ in decision-making like those among stock market traders, leading to crashes.

Mathematicians have been captivated by the appearance of 17- and 13-year cycles in various species of cicadas, and have previously developed mathematical models that showed how the appearance of such large prime numbers is a consequence of evolutionary pressures to avoid predation. However, the mechanism by which swarms emerge coherently in a given year has not been understood.

In developing their model, the Cambridge team was inspired by previous research on decision-making that represents each member of a group by a ‘spin’ like that in a magnet, but instead of pointing up or down, the two states represent the decision to ‘remain’ or ‘emerge’.

The local temperature experienced by the cicadas is then like a magnetic field that tends to align the spins and varies slowly from place to place on the scale of hundreds of metres, from sunny hilltops to shaded valleys in a forest. Communication between nearby nymphs is represented by an interaction between the spins that leads to local agreement of neighbours.

The researchers showed that in the presence of such interactions the swarms are large and space-filling, involving every member of the population in a range of local temperature environments, unlike the case without communication in which every nymph is on its own, responding to every subtle variation in microclimate.

The research was carried out Professor Raymond E Goldstein, the Alan Turing Professor of Complex Physical Systems in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), Professor Robert L Jack of DAMTP and the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, and Dr Adriana I Pesci, a Senior Research Associate in DAMTP.

“As an applied mathematician, there is nothing more interesting than finding a model capable of explaining the behaviour of living beings, even in the simplest of cases,” said Pesci.

The researchers say that while their model does not require any particular means of communication between underground nymphs, acoustical signalling is a likely candidate, given the ear-splitting sounds that the swarms make once they emerge from underground.

The researchers hope that their conjecture regarding the role of communication will stimulate field research to test the hypothesis.

“If our conjecture that communication between nymphs plays a role in swarm emergence is confirmed, it would provide a striking example of how Darwinian evolution can act for the benefit of the group, not just the individual,” said Goldstein.

This work was supported in part by the Complex Physical Systems Fund.

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JOURNAL

Physical Review E

DOI

10.1103/PhysRevE.109.L022401 

ARTICLE TITLE

How do cicadas emerge together? Thermophysical aspects of their collective decision-making

ARTICLE PUBLICATION DATE

1-Feb-2024

 THE GRAND TOUR

Research project to map early modern travel

By dissecting at least 86 travel itineraries, Rachel Midura and a research team will trace everything from the natural disasters that people encountered to unique trade routes

Grant and Award Announcement

VIRGINIA TECH

 

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RACHEL MIDURA IS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF DIGITAL HISTORY.

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CREDIT: PHOTO BY LESLIE KING FOR VIRGINIA TECH.

Imagine traveling without a GPS or the Google Maps app. A new digital project will provide a window into the ways that people traveled the world in early modern times.

With a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Rachel Midura, assistant professor of digital history  at Virginia Tech, is researching the ways and challenges of travelers before the year 1700. By dissecting at least 86 travel itineraries or small books, Midura and a group of researchers will trace everything from the natural disasters that people encountered to the trade routes that they took across oceans and land, mostly throughout Europe. 

All of their findings will go into a new digital database called EmDigIt that they hope will eventually serve as a resource for historical travel research. 

“Prior work has often relied on journals or letters of predominantly male and elite travelers, but published guides were used by a cross section of early modern society,” Midura said. “By translating the books into a digital environment and resource, we can recreate a wider world of early modern travel and even glimpse the origins of modern tourism.”

The travel books are printed in English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish.

The project

Midura’s work is the result of a $75,000 Digital Humanities Advancement grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. For the project, she, along with an advisory board, chose 15 ​​researchers of a variety of affiliations, career stages, and from around the world to join three virtual workshops this year. Through the workshops, participants will work together on research using EmDigIt, which Midura created when she was a digital humanities research fellow at the Stanford Center for Spatial and Textual Analysis. 

The workshops will help to develop the database  so that it becomes a tool for authors, game designers, and researchers who focus on travel and exchange. Their research will culminate in a conference in Washington, D.C., in August.

Why the research is important

The work provides a historical resource for scholars and for the public.

“These books give us detailed answers while also letting us measure how options changed over time,” Midura said. “That gives us new understanding not only about the experiences of individual historical actors, or how their goods and information traveled, but also how globalization was already bringing us closer to today's densely interconnected world. I am excited by how the combination of rich historical sources and digital interpretation can immerse us in a centuries-old experience.”

Project contributors

• Jonathan Briganti, manager of DataBridge, University Libraries
• Corinne Guimont, digital scholarship coordinator, University Libraries
• Alex Kinnamen, digital preservation coordinator, University Libraries
• Stewart Scales, advanced instructor, Virginia Tech Department of Geography
• Michael Stamper, data visualization designer and consultant for the digital arts, University Libraries

Advisory board

• Giovanna Ceserani, associate professor of classics, Stanford University
• Paula Findlen, professor of history, Stanford University
• Karl Grossner, research affiliate, University of Pittsburgh, and technical director, World Historical Gazetteer
• Amanda Madden, assistant professor of history and director of Geospatial History at the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
• Gabriel Pizzorno, senior lecturer on history and faculty chair of the Digital Scholarship Support Group at Harvard University