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Science News for January 9, 2022


Atom-optically synthetic gauge fields for a noninteracting Bose gas

Scientists demonstrated experimental realization of an atom-optically synthetic gauge field in a noninteracting Bose gas of Cs atoms. They observed gauge flux-dependent populations and chiral atomic currents, which are significant for understanding gauge fields in synthetic dimensions.

Pheasants lose their cool after fighting

A study by University of Exeter scientists found that pheasants' heads cool rapidly before a fight, indicating a stress response. After the confrontation, their heads heat up again as normal blood flow is restored.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJan 9, 2022

Unintended consequences of edicts to wear a mask

A study by University of Leeds researchers found that compulsory mask wearing in Bangladesh led to an increase in mobility and a rise in COVID-19 cases. The study analyzed Google community mobility data and found statistically significant evidence of risk compensation, where people adopted riskier behavior if they felt safer with masks.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 9, 2022

Growing liver from spleen

Researchers successfully reprogrammed a mouse spleen to perform liver functions without transplanting cells or tissue from another body. The study demonstrates the potential of transforming an existing organ to perform liver functions, avoiding safety issues associated with traditional methods.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalGut·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2022