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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...

Poetic birdsong, precisely tuned

Researchers found nightingales can flexibly adjust the pitch of certain song parts over a wide range of frequencies to imitate competitors. This strategy is thought to increase their mating chances during the breeding season. The birds can also adjust their songs in real-time to auditory stimuli, suggesting a robust neural circuitry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2023

Experts hail 3D audio plug-in VIRTUOSO developed by a Huddersfield academic 'a game-changer'

VIRTUOSO, developed by Dr. Hyunkook Lee from the University of Huddersfield's Applied Psychoacoustics Lab, enables immersive 3D audio without loudspeakers through binaural technology powered by ASPEN. This technology simulates the ambience and reflections found in a room with headphones, allowing for accurate translation to real speakers.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·TypeNews article·DateJun 13, 2023

Vehicle stop study illuminates importance of officer's first words

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that officers' first 45 words during a vehicle stop with a Black driver can indicate how the stop will end. The study discovered a unique 'linguistic signature' that characterizes escalated stops, where officers give an order without stating the reaso...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2023

Cheap and effective monitoring of glacier discharge

Scientists from Hokkaido University propose a cheap and effective alternative for monitoring glacial runoff by analyzing audible sounds generated at the proglacial run-off site. The method has shown promising results in detecting changes in glacier discharge with high accuracy.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2023

Singing humpback whales respond to wind noise, but not boats

Researchers found that humpback whales have a unique response to wind noise, singing louder in noisy conditions. In contrast, they do not exhibit an increased reaction to vessel noise from boats. This finding has implications for understanding whale behavior and potential consequences for breeding practices.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2023

Do fish bay at the moon? Can their odd songs identify Hawaiian mystery fish? Eavesdropping scientists progress in recording, understanding ocean soundscapes

Researchers recorded and identified mating and feeding sounds of 21 ocean species, including those influenced by the moon. The study's findings will contribute to the development of the Global Library of Underwater Biological Sounds (GLUBS), an open-access online platform for monitoring changes in marine environments.

SourceProgramme for the Human Environment, The Rockefeller University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateApr 26, 2023

Chung-Ang University researchers develop smart portable sensing system for monitoring precast structures during delivery

The novel portable wireless sensing system measures strain and acceleration in real-time, generating a safety assessment report to prevent damage and ensure safe delivery. While effective, the system lacks real-time data management capabilities, requiring future development of a cloud-based monitoring system.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalAutomation in Construction·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Parents talk more to toddlers who talk back

Researchers at Duke University found that caregivers talk more to young children who start talking, regardless of gender, rather than solely due to girls having bigger vocabularies. Girls' vocabulary advantage may be attributed to factors other than parental language input, offering insights into language development.

SourceDuke University·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2022

Automatic speaker recognition technology outperforms human listeners in the courtroom - new research

A comprehensive study compared the accuracy of human speaker identification with that of an automatic-speaker-recognition system. The forensic-voice-comparison system performed better than all tested listeners, including judges and jurors. This finding has significant implications for courtroom proceedings.

SourceAston University·JournalForensic Science International·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Vocal communication originated over 400 million years ago

A study published by the University of Zurich has found that vocal communication in vertebrates has a common and ancient evolutionary origin, dating back to around 407 million years ago. The research used vocal recordings and contextual behavioral information from 53 species across four major clades of land vertebrates.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

Research team receives $7 million funding award to study most effective way of sharing clinic visit information with older adults

A Dartmouth-led research team will assess the effectiveness of visit information provided to older adult patients and caregivers in improving quality of life. The CHRONICLE Trial aims to determine whether audio recordings or written summaries are more effective in sharing healthcare visit information.

AI learns coral reef 'song'

A new AI method can distinguish between the overall sounds of healthy and unhealthy coral reefs, making it a valuable tool for monitoring reef health. The technique uses machine learning to analyze sound recordings and track the progress of reef restoration projects.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

Perseverance records the first ever sounds from Mars

Perseverance mission has recorded the first ever sounds from Mars, showing that the planet is quiet due to low natural sound sources. The rover's microphone captured sounds within the human audible spectrum, including shock waves and helicopter flights.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 2022

Singing in the brain

Researchers discovered a population of neurons in the auditory cortex that responds specifically to singing, but not speech or instrumental music. The study uses electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings to gain higher-resolution data, revealing fine-grained segregation of function within the auditory cortex.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 22, 2022

Global Library of Underwater Biological Sounds, “GLUBS,” will help monitor changing marine life

Scientists are creating a global audio collection of aquatic life to monitor changing marine life and identify new species. The GLUBS platform uses ocean hydrophones, AI, and citizen science to analyze soundscapes and track biodiversity on reefs and other ocean habitats.

SourceProgramme for the Human Environment, The Rockefeller University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2022

Computational techniques in ICU: Neural synchrony predicts outcome after coma

Researchers used sound processing to examine neural synchrony in comatose patients. They found that higher neural synchrony was predictive of a favorable outcome, with indistinguishable levels from healthy controls. The study also revealed surprising neural complexity, with reduced complexity in survivors compared to non-survivors.

SourceInselspital, Bern University Hospital·JournalNeuroImage·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 5, 2021

Not silent yet; the shifting sounds of spring

A new study reveals that spring soundscape acoustic diversity and intensity are declining due to changes in bird communities. The research suggests that reductions in natural soundscapes may be the primary mechanism through which population declines impact humans.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2021

Giving performers copyright over their work could protect them from deepfake technology, study shows

A new study by Dr Mathilde Pavis from the University of Exeter Law School proposes reforming performers' rights to include copyright over their performances. This would provide better protection against unauthorized deepfakes and simplify the structure of intellectual property law.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalConvergence The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 3, 2021

Antarctic hotspot: Fin whales favour the waters around Elephant Island

Researchers from Alfred Wegener Institute found that fin whales regularly inhabit waters surrounding Elephant Island, indicating a notable achievement in the fin whale population's recovery. The study suggests that protecting this habitat is crucial due to frequent visits by cruise ships and extensive krill fishing.

Quantum music to my ears

Scientists have successfully recorded and played back music using Rydberg atoms, which respond to radio waves, enabling potential improvements in audio data transmission. The research could lead to better noise-picking capabilities and improved security in deep space communications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJun 18, 2019