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How a whale's dive shapes its song

Researchers found specific song themes tied to specific parts of a dive, revealing insights into how singing affects energy use, oxygen management and vulnerability. The study's findings offer practical applications for tracking whale populations and establishing a clearer baseline for normal humpback behavior.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 3, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Listening to whales – even when they make no sound

Scientists have discovered a way to track whales using fiber-optic cables by detecting low-frequency pressure waves generated by their movement. This method allows researchers to identify whale tracks even when the animals are not vocalizing, expanding their capabilities for remote sensing applications.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2026

Acoustic environment may explain why some bird songs outlast others

A new study suggests that environmental factors can influence which bird songs are passed down through generations. Common song types, with higher frequencies and broader frequency bandwidths, traveled more effectively through the environment than rare songs. This makes it easier for young birds to hear and learn these songs, potential...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBioacoustics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2026

Birds clap in the dark to flirt

Researchers have captured the behavior of scissor-tailed nightjars creating a unique sound by snapping their wrists together during courtship and copulation. The study sheds light on lesser-known bird communication methods and raises questions about the nuances of mechanical sounds.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateMay 19, 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.

Why do brown bats stop feeding during fireworks? #ASA190

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 12, 2026

What can singing mice say about human speech?

A study found that singing mice didn't evolve a bigger brain or new neural connections to produce complex songs. Instead, their brains roughly tripled the number of neurons connecting the mouth-movement control center with target regions for hearing and vocalizations.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 6, 2026

Nature might have a universal rhythm

A new study suggests that many animal communication signals, including those from insects, birds, mammals, and fish, repeat at nearly the same tempo of 2 hertz. This common tempo may reflect a shared biological constraint, enabling brains to detect signals more easily and process communication more efficiently.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 14, 2026

Convergence in the Canopy: Why the Gracixalus weii treefrog sounds like a songbird

Researchers found that Gracixalus weii treefrog's call is similar to a bird-like chirp of the Black-Breasted Thrush, highlighting the evolution of acoustic symbols in amphibians influenced by ecological interactions with birds. This phenomenon provides a reliable alternative to morphological or molecular diagnosis for cryptic species

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalHerpetozoa·DateMar 10, 2026
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.

How horses whinny: Whistling while singing

Horses produce high-frequency sounds by whistling through their larynx while vibrating vocal folds. Researchers found that the high-frequency component of the whinny is generated by a laryngeal whistle, shifting to higher frequencies when helium is used.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Singing mice speak volumes

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory are studying Alston's singing mice to better comprehend the evolutionary origins of vocal communication. The research may also hold clues for understanding strokes, autism, and other speech-related disorders. The study found that singing mice use a common brain region for both singing and ult...

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 1, 2025

Elephant seals recognize their rivals from years prior

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 1, 2025

Decoding a decade of grouper grunts unlocks spawning secrets, shifts

Researchers analyzed over 2,000 hours of underwater recordings to detect subtle shifts in red hind spawning behavior and population dynamics. The study found a notable shift in the balance of mating calls over the 12-year period, with calls linked to competition becoming dominant.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How to find a cryptic animal: Recording the elusive beaked whale in the Foz do Amazonas Basin

Beaked whales are recorded in the Foz do Amazonas Basin using passive acoustic monitoring, demonstrating their first documentation in Brazilian waters. The study contributes to understanding cetacean biodiversity and showcases the effectiveness of acoustic monitoring for categorizing elusive sea creatures.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateSep 9, 2025

Twinkle, twinkle leopard seal: songs below the ice flow like nursery rhymes

Researchers at UNSW Sydney discovered that leopard seal songs share structural similarities with human nursery rhymes, featuring predictable patterns and low entropy. The study found that male seals spend up to 13 hours a day singing in two-minute cycles, with each individual creating a unique sonic signature.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 31, 2025

Why do birds make so many different sounds? A new UW–Madison study gets at the underlying factors

Researchers analyzed over 100,000 audio recordings from around the world to understand the factors that contribute to the diversity of bird sounds. The study found that larger birds tend to call at lower frequencies, which can indicate hunting pressure in landscapes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 8, 2025
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.

Deep learning can help protect chimpanzees

Researchers are using deep learning to help protect chimpanzees in the Greater Mahale Ecosystem, Tanzania. A new acoustic detector has been developed to identify chimpanzee sounds and monitor population density more efficiently, allowing for better conservation strategies.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·DateOct 31, 2024

Scientists uncover auditory “sixth sense” in geckos

Researchers found that geckos utilize the saccule, a part of their inner ear traditionally linked to balance, to detect low-frequency vibrations. This 'sixth sense' plays a complementary role in the geckos' normal hearing and sensory perception.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

Outdoor businesses and venues could benefit from boosting biodiversity

Researchers found that enhancing soundscapes with diverse bird sounds in vineyards improved tourists' experiences, making them feel freer from work and more relaxed. By conserving biodiversity, outdoor businesses can create a positive impact on customers' mental and physical health.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2024
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.

Researchers uncover brain region’s role in hearing and learning

A University of Maryland study reveals how the brain adapts to different listening situations, with the orbitofrontal cortex playing a central role. The findings may have implications for human health and well-being, particularly in conditions such as autism, dyslexia, or schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2024

Tiny New Zealand bird delivers a lesson in birdsong evolution

Scientists studying the rifleman bird found that its vocal signatures are similar when birds live near each other, suggesting they may learn their sounds. This challenges the traditional view of birds as either vocal learners or non-learners, and raises the possibility that many bird species possess rudimentary learning abilities.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 14, 2024

What do bird dreams sound like?

A team of researchers from the University of Buenos Aires has developed a method to translate the vocal muscle activity of birds during sleep into synthetic songs. This breakthrough uses electromyography data and dynamical systems models to recreate the sounds of dreaming birds, providing a new window into the subconscious mind of avians.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateApr 11, 2024

Midbrain awakens gift of gab in chatty midshipman fish

Research reveals that the midbrain of midshipman fish initiates and patterns sounds used in vocal communication. The findings suggest a functional comparable periaqueductal gray node between fish and mammals, which can influence acoustic structure of social context-specific vocal signals.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 3, 2024
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Acoustic monitoring shows surprising resilience of subtropical forests to extreme weather – but climate change looms

Researchers analyzed 13,000 hours of audio data from Okinawan forests before, during, and after typhoons, finding that ecosystems responded differently than expected. The study suggests that developed sites were more resilient to extreme weather than anticipated, but climate change may push these ecosystems to their limits.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Research suggests sentinel warning calls may be universally understood across continents

A recent study found that flocks of birds in North America, Europe, and Asia responded equally strongly to the alarm call of an unfamiliar dusky-throated antshrike. This suggests that sentinel calls may contain a universal signal that allows birds to recognize them across different species and continents.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Broadband buzz: Periodical cicadas' chorus measured with fiber optic cables

A new proof-of-concept study demonstrates the use of distributed fiber optic sensing to detect and analyze the sound of periodical cicadas. The technology shows promise for charting the populations of these famously ephemeral bugs, with potential applications in monitoring insect abundance across seasons and years.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Insect Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 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
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.

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

Unique voice print in parrots

Researchers discovered that monk parakeets possess a unique tone of voice, known as a voice print, similar to humans. This finding raises the possibility that other vocally flexible species may also have a voice print.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 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
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Noise from urban environments affects the color of songbirds’ beaks

A Florida Atlantic University study found that urban noise exposure during development affects the color of songbirds' beaks, which influence social interactions and mate choice. Males developed less bright beak coloration, while females developed brighter orange coloration than untreated birds.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·Journalacta ethologica·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2023

Human empathy makes us better at understanding animal sounds

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that individuals with high empathy scores can accurately detect emotional sounds in animals, including arousal and valence. The study involved 1024 participants from 48 countries and showed a significant correlation between empathy for humans and understanding animal sounds.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateDec 20, 2022

Hearing is believing: sounds can alter our visual perception

Research found that sounds can influence how we perceive objects visually, making related sounds prioritize certain features. This effect was observed in three experiments, showing that audio input influences object-morph selection speed and accuracy when played during visual discrimination phase.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

How giant-faced owls snag voles hidden in snow

Great gray owls have a broad disc-like face that acts as radar to find food, while their facial features help correct for sonic distortions caused by snow. The owls' ability to hover above prey allows them to pinpoint location and avoid acoustic mirages created by the snow.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 30, 2022
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.

Bats growl like death metal singers and Mongolian throat singers

A new study reveals that bats use the same technique as human death metal singers and throat singing members to produce sounds. Bats can span 7 octaves with their vocal range, surpassing most mammals. The research team filmed what happens in a bat's larynx when producing sound, showing heavy vocal folds vibrating at low frequencies.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022

Caller ID: Hyena ‘whoops’ feature individual signatures

Researchers used a random forest model to analyze hyena whoops and found that individual signatures are distinct enough for identification. Repeating calls can improve identification accuracy, peaking at seven repetitions.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateSep 16, 2022

Keeping to a beat is linked to reproductive success in male Rock Hyraxes

A study found that male Rock Hyraxes with stable isochronous rhythms in their courtship songs have higher reproductive success and more surviving offspring. Genetic analysis revealed that song rhythms are related to individual quality and potentially indicate health and suitability as mates.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2022
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.

The case for speaking politely to animals

A study found that domesticated pigs and horses, as well as Asian wild horses, can tell the difference between positively and negatively charged sounds. The animals reacted stronger to negatively charged voices and showed mirroring of emotions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalBMC Biology·DateMay 23, 2022

DeepSqueak tool identifies marine mammal calls #ASA182

A new tool called DeepSqueak uses deep learning to identify marine mammal calls with high accuracy, even in noisy environments. The tool was originally developed for rodent ultrasound signals but has been adapted to detect sounds at other frequencies, including humpback whales and delphinids.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 23, 2022

These bats deter predators by buzzing like hornets

Researchers found that greater mouse-eared bats imitate the buzzing sound of a stinging insect to avoid predatory owls. The study, published in Current Biology, provides evidence of interspecific mimicry between mammals and insects.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022
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.

Research reveals the sex secrets of amphibian singing choruses

A Dartmouth study using advanced recording technology reveals that females prefer lower frequency songs with low variance, while males time their songs to follow neighbors. The research shows how chorus composition and individual songs impact mating in wood frogs.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEcology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 28, 2022

Echolocation builds prediction models of prey movement

Bats build prediction models of prey movement by analyzing echoes of their own vocalizations. This acoustic information facilitates navigation and foraging in total darkness. By integrating representations of prey echoes, bats can determine distance, size, shape, and density, as well as identify what they are tracking.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 30, 2021

A new approach to identify mammals good at learning sounds

A recent study found that most vocal learners, such as dolphins and whales, sound higher than expected based on their body size, not lower. This challenges the idea that faking body size is linked to vocal learning and suggests a different evolutionary scenario for vocal communication in mammals.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2021
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.

Baby seals can change their tone of voice

Researchers studied harbour seal pups' vocal responses to sea noise, finding they lowered their tone to adapt. The study reveals young seals have advanced control over their vocalizations at an early age.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2021

How to decode the meaning of melodies in animal vocalizations

Studies have shown that melodies in animal vocalizations share similarities with human languages, suggesting a parallel evolution. This led researchers to investigate how animals perceive melodic patterns, finding potential candidates in universal structures across languages.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 1, 2021

Great ape’s consonant and vowel-like sounds travel over distance without losing meaning

Scientists from the University of Warwick found that orangutan call signals, similar to precursors to human language, can travel far without losing meaning. This contradicts current mathematical models predicting sound degradation with distance, suggesting a new approach to understanding language evolution.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBiology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2021

Decoding birds’ brain signals into syllables of song

By reading electrical signals in a bird's brain, researchers can predict specific syllables and when they will be sung. This breakthrough technology has the potential to develop vocal prostheses for humans with speech disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2021
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.

The phantom chorus: birdsong boosts human well-being in protected areas

A recent study by California Polytechnic State University found that exposure to recorded birdsong can significantly improve humans' sense of well-being, especially in protected areas. The researchers discovered that even short periods of time spent listening to birdsong can have a positive impact on mental health.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·DateDec 15, 2020

Zebra finches amazing at unmasking the bird behind the song

Researchers found that zebra finches can distinguish between 16-56 different birds based on their unique sounds, a feat previously thought possible only for humans. The birds' ability to recognize each other's vocalizations suggests sophisticated social communication and complex mapping skills.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 20, 2020
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.