Add BrightSurf on Google Email

SmartDJ lets users reshape audio experiences with simple words

Researchers have developed SmartDJ, an AI-powered editor that allows users to reshape audio experiences with simple words. The system uses language models and diffusion models to interpret high-level requests and generate edited outputs.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Self-administered hypnosis vs sham hypnosis for hot flashes

A randomized clinical trial found that self-administered hypnosis significantly reduced hot flash scores and daily interference compared to sham hypnosis. The study suggests that hypnosis delivered through audio files is a clinically significant method for reducing hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 11, 2025

Small bat hunts like lions – only better

Researchers equipped miniature backpacks with fringe-lipped bats, revealing they hunt large prey like frogs, birds, and small mammals with remarkable success. The study found these small bats conserve energy by spending 89% of their time stationary and striking quickly, succeeding in about 50% of hunts.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Heat and heavy metals are changing the way that bees buzz

Research reveals that high temperatures and exposure to heavy metals reduce the frequency and pitch of non-flight wing vibrations in bees. This affects their communication, defense, and buzz-pollination abilities, which are crucial for plant reproduction and biodiversity.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 8, 2025

Do dogs understand words from AIC buttons?

A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that audio quality severely affects dogs' ability to recognize and respond to recorded words. Dogs excelled at responding to direct human speech, but struggled with AIC buttons, which lost frequencies necessary for conveying human speech.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 29, 2025
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Simulate sound in 3D at a finer scale than humans can perceive

Scientists develop an ambisonic algorithm to simulate precise sound locations in 3D, reproducing sounds with high accuracy and precision. The AudioDome loudspeaker array achieves a spatial resolution comparable to human spatial acuity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateApr 15, 2025

Handheld device could transform heart disease screening

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a handheld device that can accurately record heart sounds without requiring precise placement on the chest. This innovative device, which uses six sensors to capture clearer heart sounds, has the potential to transform heart disease screening and diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalIEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics·DateApr 8, 2025

‘Fishial’ recognition: Neural network identifies coral reef sounds

A new neural network can identify fish activity on coral reefs by sound, faster than human experts, enabling real-time monitoring of fish populations, species identification, and disaster response. This technology has the potential to revolutionize ocean monitoring and research.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMar 11, 2025
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Whale song has structure similar to human language

Researchers uncover statistically significant structures in humpback whale song, mirroring patterns found in all human languages. This breakthrough highlights a deep commonality between humans and humpback whales, showcasing the role of learning and transmission in complex communication systems.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2025
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

The unsolved mystery sounds of the Southern Ocean #ASA187

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 21, 2024

The chilling sound of the Aztec death whistle

Researchers created digital reconstructions of Aztec death whistles and found they produce unique air turbulence, creating a chilling sound. Listeners perceived the whistle's sound as natural and organic, similar to human voices or screams, suggesting a symbolic association with mythological entities.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2024

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers use the sounds of healthy coral reefs to encourage growth of a new species of coral larvae

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that golfball coral larvae can be encouraged to settle when they hear the sounds of a vibrant, healthy reef. Acoustic enrichment technique showed promise in revitalize degraded sites and help repopulate marine ecosystems.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalJASA Express Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

new diabetes research in Scientific Reports links blood glucose levels and voice

A new study published in Scientific Reports confirms a linear relationship between blood glucose levels and voice fundamental frequency, suggesting potential for voice-based glucose monitoring. Researchers at Klick Labs used vocal biomarkers and AI to detect Type 2 diabetes with high accuracy.

SourceKlick Applied Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 28, 2024
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Researcher finds sound progress in babies’ speech development

A study by Dr. Pumpki Lei Su and colleagues analyzed over 300 children's home recordings to find that infants form patterns in their sound clusters, producing three categories of sounds. The researchers found significant clustering patterns in typically developing children and those later diagnosed with autism, suggesting a more sponta...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2024

Animals are also suffering from stress and anxiety due to the war

A new study at Tel Aviv University found that geckos experience a sharp increase in metabolic rates when exposed to rocket explosions, leading to energy depletion. The researchers hypothesize that this stress response may apply to many other animals in conflict zones.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalEcology·DateJul 28, 2024

Estimating rainfall intensity using surveillance audio and deep-learning

Researchers developed a deep learning-based model to estimate rainfall intensity from surveillance audio, achieving a root mean absolute error of 0.88 mm h-1 and a coefficient of correlation of 0.765. This approach offers a new method for high-resolution hydrological sensing, contributing to environmental resilience and urban sensing.

SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 19, 2024
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Researchers listen to the hearts of bats in flight

Researchers from Max Planck Institute tracked the heart rates of male common noctule bats during flights, revealing a significant increase in heart rate from 6 to 900 beats per minute. The study found that bats consume up to 42% more energy in summer compared to spring, and develop unique strategies to survive in different seasons.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 9, 2024

The "Queen of the Night" does not whistle

A new study by the University of Vienna rejects the idea that opera singers rely on a specialized 'whistle' voice register to produce high-pitched notes. Instead, researchers found that vocal folds vibrate at extremely fast rates to create these sounds, similar to speech and other forms of singing.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2024

Elephants have names for each other like people do, new study shows

Researchers confirmed that elephant calls contained a name-like component identifying the intended recipient through machine learning analysis. Elephants responded affirmatively to calls addressed to them and less so to those meant for others, suggesting an ability to learn and use arbitrary vocal labels like humans.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2024

Infants hear significantly more speech than music at home, UW study finds

Researchers found that infants in English-learning environments were exposed to more spoken language than music, with the gap widening as they get older. The study used daylong audio recordings collected from home environments and crowdsourced annotations through Zooniverse, closing the gap on past studies that relied on parental reports.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateMay 30, 2024
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Babies babble squeals and growls in clustering patterns observable from birth through the first year, suggesting this active vocal exploration is important to speech development

Researchers analyzed 130 English-learning infants' vocalizations and found significant cluster patterns of squeals and growls, indicating active play and sound practice. These findings suggest that infant vocal category exploration is a fundamental pathway for language development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024

Subduction zone splay faults compound hazards of great earthquakes

Research in the Alaskan-Aleutian subduction zone found evidence of splay fault uplift generating additional tsunami activity in half of last eight earthquakes. Splay faults can create local tsunamis reaching shores in under 30 minutes, exacerbating coastal destruction.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·DateMay 20, 2024

Artificial intelligence enhances monitoring of threatened marbled murrelet

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to analyze acoustic recordings of marbled murrelets, determining a high accuracy rate exceeding 90% in detecting the species. This method offers a more efficient and labor-intensive way to monitor rare species like the threatened marbled murrelet.

SourceOregon State University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2024

Listening to mindfulness audios during radiation improves physical, emotional side effects

Men with prostate cancer who listened to mindfulness audio recordings during radiation therapy experienced significant reductions in fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The study found that the mindfulness intervention was more effective than listening to relaxing music during treatment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGlobal Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health·DateApr 30, 2024
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

WVU study shows treating work like a game drives results

A WVU study found that treating work like a game improves workers' productivity and engagement, but also increases stress levels. Gamification can boost completion times for repetitive tasks, but may push employees past their tolerance threshold, leading to frustration and physical demands.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalRobotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing·DateMar 25, 2024

Caller ID of the sea

Researchers simultaneously tagged many humpback whales from the same pod to analyze their vocalization and compare individual calls. This study provides new information about whale behavior and communication, crucial for informing future conservation efforts.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 25, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Best way to bust deepfakes? Use AI to find real signs of life, say Klick Labs scientists

Researchers at Klick Labs developed an algorithm to detect deepfakes with 80% accuracy by analyzing speech pause patterns, offering a solution to the growing problem of AI-generated content. The study's findings suggest that vocal biomarkers can distinguish between real and fake voices, providing a novel approach to flagging deepfakes.

SourceKlick Applied Sciences·JournalJMIR Biomedical Engineering·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2024

Arctic nightlife: Seabird colony bursts with sound at night

A study by Hokkaido University and Aarhus University reveals a 'nocturnal' surge in vocalization activity among little auks in Arctic summer, contrary to expectations. The findings provide valuable insights into avian behavior under continuous daylight environments.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2024

Live music emotionally moves us more than streamed music

A recent study conducted at the University of Zurich found that live performances stimulate a stronger emotional response in the brain compared to listening to recorded music. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain activity during both live and recorded music sessions, revealing a significant difference in amy...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

To appreciate music, the human brain listens and learns to predict

Researchers at University of California - San Francisco have developed a precise map of what is happening in the brain’s auditory cortex when someone hears a melody. The study found that some aspects of music are entwined with how we understand speech, while other important aspects stand alone. The brain uses two sets of neurons to ass...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 16, 2024

The brain processes speech and its echo separately

A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that the human brain can segregate direct speech from its echo, allowing for reliable recognition of echoic speech. This neural separation is essential for understanding conversations in noisy environments and is supported by magnetoencephalography recordings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2024
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Chicken whisperers: humans crack the clucking code

A University of Queensland study found humans can correctly identify the emotional context of chickens' clucks, with 69% accuracy. The ability to detect emotional information from vocalisations could improve the welfare of farmed chickens.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 2, 2024

How ‘listening’ to archaeological sites could shed light on the past

Researchers used psychoacoustics to analyze sound frequencies and clarity at the ancient Greek sanctuary of Zeus, revealing that hillside spectators could hear sounds from the hippodrome. The method provides a unique perspective on ancient societies' organization and activity, but its results should be interpreted with caution.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Archaeology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

New deep learning AI tool helps ecologists monitor rare birds through their songs

A new deep learning AI tool called ECOGEN has been developed to generate lifelike bird sounds, enhancing the samples of underrepresented species. This allows for improved bird song classification accuracy and contributes to the conservation of endangered bird species.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 15, 2023

Complex data becomes easier to interpret when transformed into music

A team of researchers at Tampere University and Eastern Washington University used weather records to validate the effectiveness of musical characteristics in enhancing data interpretation. The study found that musical sounds can be a powerful complement to traditional data visualization methods.

SourceTampere University·JournalFrontiers·DateOct 30, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Endangered whales live in area earmarked for gas exploration

New research reveals that endangered whales and dolphins inhabit the Hellenic Trench off Greece year-round, challenging seismic surveys and oil and gas exploration. The study confirms the presence of four species, including sperm whales, in both summer and winter, highlighting the need for conservation measures.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateOct 26, 2023

AI and 10 seconds of voice can screen for diabetes, new study reveals

A new study by Klick Labs reveals that AI technology can screen for Type 2 diabetes using six to 10 seconds of a person's voice, with high accuracy rates. The research used acoustic features to analyze recordings from over 18,000 participants and identified significant vocal variations between individuals with and without the condition.

SourceKlick Applied Sciences·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2023

Striking the right tune

A study by Jonathan Middleton demonstrates how digital data can be transformed into sounds, enhancing engagement with complex data points. The custom-built 'data-to-music' algorithm validates a 'fourth dimension' in data interpretation through musical characteristics.

SourceEastern Washington University·JournalFrontiers in Big Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

AI models identify biodiversity from animal sounds in tropical rainforests

Researchers used AI models to analyze animal sounds in reforested areas, finding that vocalizing species communities mirror biodiversity recovery. The study suggests potential applications for monitoring biodiversity and could lead to certifications or credits for environmental projects.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Fear of humans pervades the South African savanna

A recent study found that animals in the Greater Kruger National Park react with alarm to hearing human voices, fleeing waterholes and abandoning their habitat. The researchers used custom sound systems to compare the fear response of mammals to humans versus lions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2023

Classic Georgia accent fading fast

Researchers found that white English speakers' accents have shifted away from traditional Southern pronunciation since Generation X. The study, published in Language Variation and Change, used archived and new recordings to analyze vowel patterns, finding distinct changes between baby boomers and Gen X.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalLanguage Variation and Change·DateSep 7, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Hard-of-hearing music fans prefer a different sound

Researchers found that hard-of-hearing listeners prefer louder levels of lead vocals compared to normal listeners. They also tend to prefer higher frequencies and sparser mixes with fewer frequencies overall.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateAug 22, 2023

Classic rock music can be recreated from recorded brain activity

Scientists successfully reconstructed recognizable versions of Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1' using nonlinear modeling to decode brain activity. The study identified a unique region in the Superior Temporal Gyrus (STG) responsible for rhythm perception, with electrodes from this region crucial for accurate reconstruct...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Protected sex: study records grouper mating calls in marine managed areas

Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch deployed an autonomous wave glider to survey marine managed areas off Puerto Rico, recording grouper mating calls and determining spatiotemporal distribution of the two species. The study highlights the importance of spatial and temporal expansion of existing regulations to protect threatened species.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFisheries Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2023

New technique measures structured light in a single shot

Researchers have developed a new measurement technique that uses the Kramers-Kronig relation to untangle complex helical light patterns from camera intensity measurements. This allows for single-shot retrieval of orbital angular momentum spectrum information, accelerating and simplifying the process compared to conventional on-axis int...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 8, 2023