Research finds that textured walls can improve speech clarity for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals by controlling sound travel. The study developed a patterned wall design that can be tailored to different room shapes and sizes using 3D printing, offering personalized acoustic performance.
Physical exertion impacts breathing coordination with speaking, altering vocal characteristics like pitch, intensity and pause structure. This changes induce measurable effects on speech recognition systems used by emergency responders and wearable devices.
Researchers study vocal fry and find low pitch is the key marker for creaky voice, contradicting popular belief that it's a hallmark of young women's speech. The study reveals social biases, not biological differences, are driving the perception of vocal fry.
Researchers at Acoustical Society of America identified hickory wood as the best alternative to expensive Honduran rosewood for making marimbas. Hickory wood has a similar acoustical response to rosewood and is significantly less expensive, making it an affordable option for schools and students.
Researchers studied barbell vibrations and found that the difference in sleeves has a larger effect than material on a lifter's performance. The study aims to answer questions about the impact of the barbell on lifting performance.
Acoustic analysis by Dan Russell from Pennsylvania State University shows that the torpedo bat shape affects the location of the sweet spot and how it feels, potentially impacting batted-ball speeds. Preliminary research suggests a possible advantage in extra miles per hour, but further testing is needed to confirm.
Research highlights sex-dependent auditory variability, with men showing an earlier decline and women experiencing regular monthly changes. The study aims to improve diagnosis and care for hearing loss by recognizing biological differences between the sexes.
Researchers used the Rational Inattention model to analyze large language models' hate speech classification performance, finding that it accurately predicts how their performance changes in different conditions. This analysis can help guide digital communities using LLMs for content moderation.
Researchers studied the impact of Capitola, California's annual firework show on local brown bat populations, finding that the noise and lights disrupted their feeding patterns. The study revealed a measurable effect on bats' ability to hunt and catch prey during the display.
Researchers developed a mechanical prototype to demonstrate their bio-inspired sensor's ability to enhance vibration signals without amplification circuits or signal processing. The design aims to benefit acoustic and vibration sensors that need to detect very weak signals, such as microphones or biomedical sensors.
Researchers found that caregivers play a significant role in helping infants learn complex vocalizations, similar to how zebra finches use social feedback to teach their young. The study suggests that both humans and zebra finches rely on social environment to guide low-level temporal foundations of their vocal communication.
Photoacoustic imaging uses lasers to reveal hidden blood vessels and nerve bundles, guiding surgeons for fewer complications. The technique enables real-time augmented reality video feeds during laparoscopic surgeries.
Researchers use smartphone microphones to detect sound waves that can penetrate through rubble, helping locate trapped victims. The method achieved an error of 5.04 degrees away from the hypothetical victim in a field test on a disaster training site.
Researchers develop sustainable and efficient pest control method that doesn't harm bees, targeting vulnerable species like greater and lesser wax moths. The technique uses ultrasonic signals to deter the pests, offering a potential solution to declining bee populations and food security concerns.
The Hearing Protection Optimization Tool translates acoustic and psychoacoustic factors into clear visuals, helping users compare different hearing protection devices. The tool matches users with regulatory-approved HPDs based on their noise environment and preferences.
Researchers used NASA's measurements to simulate sound propagation on Mars, providing insight into weather and terrain effects on acoustic propagation. The study focused on the Jezero crater, where it simulated how sound moves through complex terrains, helping scientists understand how other atmospheres compare to Earth's.
A team of researchers created a metamaterial that can transfer sound waves between air and water. The device, made from aluminum and steel plates, works by passing vibrations through its structure to facilitate communication between underwater and airborne vehicles.
A new study assesses various wall and floor types for their climate impact and acoustic performance, finding that timber outperforms standard steel studs in terms of climate friendliness. The research also highlights the importance of considering both acoustic comfort and environmental sustainability when designing buildings.
A new neural network developed by Naveen Dhar can filter out false positives in gunshot detectors, providing accurate alerts for on-the-ground intervention. The system uses a web of autonomous recording units and a central hub to analyze audio data and pinpoint the location of gunshots.
A study by Shimpei Ikegami found that vertical 'bop' music is characterized by clearer beats and percussive sounds, while horizontal 'sway' music is smoother with less percussion. Listeners' directional dancing inclinations matched the musicians' intended expressions.
Researchers have designed a quieter dental drill to address the anxiety-causing sound of traditional drills, which can reach nearly 20 kilohertz. The new design optimizes blade geometry and exhaust port to minimize noise while maintaining performance, with the goal of reducing discomfort in patients.
Researchers found that male elephant seals respond faster and change posture when hearing recorded calls of their old rivals. The seals also showed less aggressive behavior towards subordinate rivals. This suggests that the seals can remember individual voices even after a year.
A team of researchers designed a custom approach sound library for electric vehicles using low-frequency noise, which was found to be more effective at alerting pedestrians. The sounds were tested with volunteers and ranked highly on criteria such as urgency and noticeability.
A study conducted at a Japanese school found that classrooms with sound-absorbing materials experienced reduced crying rates among young children, who were able to communicate more clearly. The research aimed to raise awareness about the importance of acoustics in educational settings and inspire regulations.
Researchers found that coral larvae settle near speakers in artificial reef environments, suggesting sound as an environmental cue. The study aims to develop scalable strategies using audiovisual remote sensing tools to monitor reef biodiversity.
Researchers found that plants increase sugar and nectar volume in response to bee buzzing sounds, altering their gene expression. This may be a survival strategy to improve reproductive success by attracting efficient pollinators.
Researchers at Istanbul Galata University studied the history and architecture of Derinkuyu's ancient underground city to recreate its soundscape. The project aims to provide valuable information for scholars and inspire the design of future underground urban spaces.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a metamaterial that can significantly reduce underwater noise generated by offshore wind farm installation. The technology, which uses carefully arranged plates to trap air and guide sound, achieves a 40-decibel reduction in noise levels.
Acoustic metamaterial enables pushing, rotating, and complex movements in 3D. Researchers can now move and position objects underwater without touching them directly, paving the way for applications like remote surgery and drug delivery.
Researchers use acoustics to identify corroded UXOs in shallow water, making them difficult to observe with standard sonar imaging techniques. The study helps provide better predictive tools for finding UXOs in civilian environmental demining efforts.
Researchers from Brigham Young University and California State University, Bakersfield collected data on Falcon 9 rocket sonic booms to understand their impact. They found that the magnitude of sonic booms can vary greatly with weather conditions, launch time, vehicle trajectory, and time of year.
Researchers built a data pipeline to train AI tools for childhood speech screening, addressing the lack of representative datasets. The resulting high-quality dataset enables faster and more accurate diagnoses, especially in areas with limited access to specialists.
A study by Trinity Consultants identifies effective means of controlling data center noise, including sound barriers and low-frequency resonators. The goal is to create a quieter breed of data centers that can coexist with residential areas, protecting residents from excessive noise.
Researchers have created an acoustic model of the Parasaurolophus' crest, a unique feature of the duck-billed dinosaur. The model replicates the sounds produced by the crest, providing insights into the animal's communication and social behavior.
A study suggests that increased marine traffic and noise from wind farm surveys may be contributing to whale deaths. Whales died off the coast of New Jersey near proposed wind farms, leading researchers to investigate the impact of survey work on cetacean populations.
Researchers in New Zealand recorded repeating, quack-like sounds in the '80s that were likely a conversation between multiple animals. The sounds, known as Bio-Duck, have never been conclusively identified despite theories that they may be made by Antarctic Minke whales.
The study analyzes the impact of enunciation on speech-to-text accuracy in medical situations, highlighting challenges with medical terms and noisy environments. A new audio dataset was created to improve the technology's usefulness for healthcare professionals.
Researchers are revolutionizing fresco assessment with laser Doppler vibrometry, enabling the detection of hidden delaminated areas. This technology aims to democratize conservation expertise and create accessible tools for preserving these cultural treasures.
Researcher Ashley Snow found that pipe organs create an auto-tune effect through sympathetic resonance, enhancing the overall musical sound of ensembles. The study used a sine-sweep test to measure response with microphones inside and around the organ pipes during performances and services.
Scientists have created a thermoacoustic engine that converts thermal energy into acoustic energy, which can be transformed into mechanical or electrical energy. The device has the potential to generate power ranging from tens to thousands of watts and could be used for camping, backpacking, and emergency situations.
Researchers from École de Technologie Supérieure and Dartmouth University are investigating the use of earpiece microphones to spot early signs of Alzheimer’s. They aim to develop health-monitoring algorithms for hearables capable of continuous, long-term monitoring and early disease detection.
The Acoustical Society of America is hosting a virtual meeting from November 18-22, showcasing recent work on various topics including Alzheimer's disease detection and windfarms' impact on wildlife. Journalists can pre-register for press conferences and technical sessions.
An attorney and retired mechanical engineer highlights the need for infrastructure or limitations on play to address noise nuisance complaints from neighbors. He recommends building courts far from homes or using less noisy paddles and balls to mitigate the issue.
Researchers developed a multimodal algorithm for improved sarcasm detection, examining multiple aspects of audio recordings for increased accuracy. The approach combines sentiment analysis using text and emotion recognition using audio for a comprehensive analysis.
Researchers developed AI-based headphones that selectively filter out specific sounds while preserving others. This technology uses a smartphone-based neural network trained to identify 20 different environmental sound categories, allowing users to choose what to hear.
Researchers found that American athletes borrow Canadian English accent features for hockey-specific terms and jargon, but not underlying pronunciation rules. Adopting these dialects is a way players portray their identity through speech.
Researchers found spider webs match acoustic particle velocity for wide range of sound frequencies. Spider silk responds to air particles in a sound field, not just sound pressure, and may inspire new microphone designs.
A recent survey on aircraft noise and annoyance conducted during the pandemic era reveals flaws in existing methods to assess and mitigate noise impacts. The study suggests that annoyance levels are a proven correlation to overall noise levels, contradicting current industry practices.
Researchers analyzed the calls of two male emperor penguins, E-79 and E-81, and discovered a unique combination of masculine and feminine characteristics. This finding could lead to new methods for studying penguin behavior and assessing their reproductive state, which is crucial for conservation efforts.
Researchers found that electric guitar pickups generate an electric current through vibration of a magnetized string, affected by coil winding and variables like wire thickness and magnet type. This understanding enables guitarists to make informed pickup selections and adjustments.