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Extremely cold and highly efficient: Scientists present new light fiber

Researchers at Max Planck Institute create a new optical fiber by freezing a liquid core in nitrogen, achieving extreme nonlinearities and optoacoustic memory. This breakthrough enables drastically reduced energy consumption for photonic computing architectures.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

Focusing underwater sound with a lens 40% lighter than conventional designs

A Korean research team created an underwater acoustic lens capable of focusing sound precisely at a desired point while reducing weight by about 40% compared to conventional designs. The findings have significant implications for underwater communication, marine environmental monitoring, and acoustic energy transfer.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·DateJul 1, 2026

This is how to beat the tumor cells that survive cancer therapy

Researchers at UCSF built a robotic system to treat thousands of mini tumors, identifying shared features among persister cells that could help explain why cancer comes back. Nine drugs consistently weakened persister cells, suggesting common vulnerabilities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 12, 2026
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Biologically inspired event camera for accurate passive vibration measurement

A biologically inspired event camera measures vibrations accurately without expensive equipment, providing a cost-effective alternative to laser-based systems. The camera captures high-speed vibrations by recording brightness changes independently at each pixel, enabling precise amplitude, phase, and frequency estimation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 17, 2026

Using sound waves to detect helium

Researchers developed a device utilizing sound waves to detect helium by exploiting changes in sound velocity and resonant frequencies. The triangular Kagome structure allows for accurate detection of helium leaks, even at extremely low temperatures.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 16, 2025

Acoustic waves could be the key to orbitronic devices

Researchers from Keio University Global Research Institute successfully generated orbital currents using sound waves, establishing a foundation for integrating acoustic technology with orbitronics. The discovery paves the way for next-generation electronic devices.

SourceKeio University Global Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Your cells can hear

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has found that cells can hear and respond to sound waves, leading to potential applications in medicine and healthcare. The study used acoustic pressure to induce cellular responses, revealing the suppression of fat cell formation and activation of mechanosensitive genes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Sound wave research for breast cancer receives $5.5 million

University of Virginia researcher Natasha D. Sheybani has received a $5.5 million grant to advance her research on focused ultrasound technology for breast cancer immunotherapy. Her work aims to enhance the safety, effectiveness, and precision of immunotherapy drugs.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateApr 15, 2025

Photonic computing needs more nonlinearity: acoustics can help

Scientists have developed an all-optical activation function based on sound waves for photonic computing, enabling the creation of energy-efficient artificial intelligence systems. This breakthrough could potentially facilitate the scaling up of physical computing systems and pave the way for more efficient optical neural networks.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNanophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Paired eddy currents change how sound waves travel through the ocean

Researchers studied dipole eddies in the South China Sea, revealing unique sound-speed structures and acoustic propagation patterns. The team found that warm-core AEs decrease temperature, salinity, and sound speed, while cold-core CEs increase these factors.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2025

Wearable stethoscope revolutionizes lung sound monitoring

A breakthrough in medical technology, the wearable stethoscope accurately monitors lung sounds in real-time and detects wheezing. An AI-based algorithm classifies breathing sounds and counts wheezing events with high accuracy.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalEngineering·DateApr 9, 2025
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.

A unique sound alleviates motion sickness

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a unique sound stimulation technology that alleviates motion sickness, reducing symptoms by up to a minute of stimulation. The device stimulates the inner ear with a specific wavelength of sound, activating the vestibular system and improving balance.

SourceNagoya University·JournalEnvironmental Health and Preventive Medicine·DateApr 4, 2025

Nuclear monitoring system suggests landslide cut off internet in west Africa

Researchers used hydroacoustic data to detect a possible submarine landslide in Trou Sans Fond Canyon offshore of Ivory Coast, which may have broken communications cables and disrupted internet traffic in March 2024. The detection could help identify threats to undersea infrastructure and inform engineering standards.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2025
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.

POSTECH unveils world’s first dynamic shape-morphing OLED panel with built-in speaker — all while maintaining ultra-thin flexibility

The POSTECH research team developed a smartphone-type OLED panel that can transform its shape while functioning as a speaker, maintaining ultra-thin flexibility. The panel uses electrically driven piezoelectric polymer actuators to achieve complex forms without mechanical hinges or motors.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateMar 25, 2025

Detecting glucose through painless photoacoustics

Researchers at Indian Institute of Science use polarized light to measure glucose concentration with near clinical accuracy in water, serum solutions and tissue samples. The technique exploits the interaction between glucose molecules and polarized light to create unique sound wave patterns.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 20, 2025

Combining photonic neural networks with distributed acoustic sensing

Distributed acoustic sensing systems face data processing speed limitations; researchers leverage photonic neural networks to overcome these challenges. The TWM-PNNA system achieves high recognition accuracy above 90% with low power consumption, outperforming electrical GPUs by orders of magnitude.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 18, 2025

‘Audible enclaves’ could enable private listening without headphones

Scientists have developed a technology called 'audible enclaves,' which can create localized pockets of sound zones where only one person can hear. This innovation uses nonlinear ultrasonic beams to generate a privacy barrier between people for private listening, enabling sound and quiet zones.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2025
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.

NJIT mathematician to help map Earth's last frontier with Navy grant

Eliza Michalopoulou is leading a research project to improve ocean floor mapping using sound waves, aiming to understand the seabed's properties and characteristics. The goal is to enhance anti-submarine warfare strategies and contribute to global efforts like Seabed 2030 and Ocean Decade.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateMar 14, 2025

Dynamic acoustics of hand clapping, elucidated

A study published in Physical Review Research reveals the intricate physical mechanisms involved in handclapping, including air flow, sound production, and resonance. The researchers found that the size and shape of the hand cavity affect the frequency of the clap, with cupped hands producing lower frequencies.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateMar 12, 2025

Exotic waves with tangible effects

Exotic waves with tangible effects, known as Rayleigh–Bloch waves, have been found to transform into phantom-like entities above a certain cut-off frequency. At lower frequencies, these waves exhibit characteristic behavior around stainless steel struts, making them ideal for antenna design and potential communication purposes.

SourceUniversity of Augsburg·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2025
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.

New acoustic wave phenomenon discovered

Researchers at Tohoku University discovered a novel propagation phenomenon in surface acoustic waves, leading to the development of innovative acoustic devices. The study, published in Physical Review Letters, reveals asymmetrical diffraction behavior that can be controlled using magnetic fields.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 29, 2025

New insights into acoustic bubbles give boost to future applications

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have found key indicators for assessing chemical activity and temperature of active bubbles generated by ultrasonic waves. The study provides new insights into the relationship between bubble temperature and chemical activity, enabling more precise control of chemical reactions.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalUltrasonics Sonochemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2025

Miniaturized all-fiber photoacoustic spectrometer for intravascular gas detection

Researchers developed a miniaturized all-fiber photoacoustic spectrometer for intravascular gas detection, achieving detection limits of 9 ppb and response times as quick as 18 milliseconds. The system detects trace gases at the ppb level and analyzes nanoliter-sized samples with millisecond response times.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateDec 18, 2024
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Researchers shed light on skin tone bias in breast cancer imaging

Researchers developed a new photoacoustic imaging technique that addresses skin tone bias in breast cancer detection. The technique, combined with specific wavelengths and beamforming methods, enhances target visibility across all skin tones, providing clearer images with improved signal-to-noise ratios.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateNov 14, 2024

MPL scientists find a new way of entangling light and sound

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have developed a novel method to entangle photons with acoustic phonons, overcoming noise susceptibility and enabling high-temperature operation. This breakthrough has significant implications for secure quantum communications and quantum computing applications.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 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.

High-quality nanomechanical resonators with built-in piezoelectricity

Nanomechanical resonators have been used to sense minuscule forces and mass changes. The new aluminum nitride resonator achieved a quality factor of over 10 million, opening doors to new possibilities in quantum sensing technologies.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2024

Oceanographers record the largest predation event ever observed in the ocean

Scientists used acoustic mapping technique to track vulnerable capelin species and observe massive predation event involving Atlantic cod. The study revealed that as climate change causes Arctic ice sheet to retreat, capelin will be more stressed and vulnerable to natural predation events.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 29, 2024

Earthquake on a chip: Scientists harness sound waves on the surface of a microchip

Researchers successfully generate guided sound waves on a microchip using lasers, enabling interactions with the environment and paving the way for new sensing technologies. The innovative approach uses special glass to contain sound waves, making it ideal for applications in signal processing and communication technologies.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAPL Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2024

New device could deliver bedside blood test results in an hour

Researchers have developed a handheld, sound-based diagnostic system that can deliver precise blood test results in an hour with minimal finger prick of blood. The system uses functional negative acoustic contrast particles and a custom-built instrument to detect biomarkers in tiny amounts of blood.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2024
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Medical imaging breakthrough could transform cancer and arthritis diagnosis

A new hand-held scanner can generate highly detailed 3D images in seconds, paving the way for earlier disease diagnosis. The technology uses laser-generated ultrasound waves to visualize subtle changes in blood vessels, helping inform patient care and diagnose conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2024

Wave scattering simulation unlocks potential for advanced metamaterials

Researchers at Macquarie University developed a new software package, TMATSOLVER, that accurately models complex wave scattering for metamaterial design. The tool enables rapid prototyping and validation of new metamaterial designs, accelerating research and development in this growing global market.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2024

Pusan National University researchers propose a novel compact meta-silencer design

Researchers propose a novel compact meta-silencer design leveraging acoustic black hole and rainbow trapping effects to reduce low-frequency noise. The study demonstrates improved performance with coiled-up slits, achieving an average sound transmission loss of 6.73 dB across a broad frequency band.

SourcePusan National University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024
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.

One-way street for sound waves

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich created a method to suppress sound wave propagation in the backward direction without deteriorating forward propagation. They achieved this using self-oscillations and a circulator, which allows sound waves to travel only one way.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 6, 2024

Pusan National University researchers use artificial intelligence to create powerful sound-dampening materials

A new deep learning-based inverse design method allows for the optimization of complex acoustic metamaterials, reducing noise pollution while maintaining ventilation. The approach enables ultra-broadband sound attenuation across various peak frequencies.

SourcePusan National University·JournalEngineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2024

Developed a 21-language, fast and high-fidelity neural text-to-speech technology that works on smartphones

A novel, fast and high-quality neural text-to-speech model was successfully developed using a Transformer encoder + ConvNeXt decoder and MS-FC-HiFi-GAN. The model can synthesize one second of speech at high speed in just 0.1 seconds using a single CPU core, achieving eight times faster synthesis than conventional methods.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 26, 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.

How the 'heart and lungs' of a galaxy extend its life

Astrophysicists suggest that galaxies control growth through how they 'breathe', using supersonic jets to transmit energy and slow gas-accretion. This helps maintain the galaxy medium, keeping the supermassive black hole engine supplied with fuel.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 11, 2024

Moving objects precisely with sound

Using wave momentum shaping, EPFL researchers guided a ping-pong ball along a pre-determined path in a tank of water, even with obstacles and dynamic environments. The method, inspired by optical tweezers, holds great promise for biomedical applications like noninvasive targeted drug delivery.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

Brain waves shape the words we hear

Researchers found that brain waves bias perception towards more probable sounds or words when stimuli were presented in less 'excitable' brain wave phases. This suggests that both the probability and timing of events influence what people perceive. The study has important implications for theories of predictive coding and language comp...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

Enhancing nanofibrous acoustic energy harvesters with artificial intelligence

Scientists at TIBI employed AI to enhance the design and production of nanofibers used in acoustic energy harvesters, resulting in higher power density and energy conversion efficiency. The AI-generated nanofibers produced better performance than conventionally fabricated devices.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 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.

Babies in the womb exposed to two languages hear speech differently when born

Newborns of bilingual mothers exhibit greater sensitivity to a range of sound pitches compared to those from monolingual mothers. The study suggests that prenatal exposure to multiple languages may shape the fetus's auditory system, influencing its ability to process speech sounds at birth.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024

Spider silk sound system #ASA186

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 16, 2024

Metalens expands Its reach from light to sound

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed the first wide field-of-hearing metalens, overcoming traditional acoustic lens limitations. The device achieves up to 140 degrees of field-of-hearing without sound distortion, enabling new applications in acoustic imaging and high-sensitivity sensing.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2024

New surface acoustic wave techniques could lead to surfing a quantum internet

Scientists at the University of Rochester have developed a technique for pairing particles of light and sound, allowing for faithful conversion of information stored in quantum systems. The method uses surface acoustic waves, which can be accessed and controlled without mechanical contact, enabling strong quantum coupling on any material.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 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.

This sound-suppressing silk can create quiet spaces

A team of researchers from MIT created a lightweight, compact, and efficient mechanism to reduce noise transmission using a sound-suppressing silk fabric. The fabric uses vibrations to cancel out unwanted sounds in two different ways, one for small spaces and another for larger areas like rooms or cars.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 7, 2024

Photonic computation with sound waves

A research team has successfully created a new dimension in photonic machine learning by incorporating sound waves, enabling the creation of reconfigurable neuromorphic building blocks. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize computing tasks by providing high-speed and large-capacity solutions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2024

USTC designs new coupled shear saw resonator at high frequency

Researchers from USTC develop a Coupled Shear SAW (CS-SAW) resonator that utilizes two coupling coefficients to achieve high electromechanical coupling coefficient and figure of merit. The CS-SAW resonator was designed on a LiNbO₃-on-SiC substrate and achieved an unprecedented k^2 of 34% at 5 GHz.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateApr 14, 2024

Water droplet spun by sound screens for colon cancer

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new diagnostic platform that uses sound waves to spin an individual drop of water up to 6,000 revolutions per minute. The technique separates tiny biological particles within samples to enable new diagnostics based on exosomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Doctors can now watch spinal cord activity during surgery

Scientists have developed fUSI technology that enables clinicians to see and map the spinal cord's response to treatments in real-time. This innovation offers improved monitoring of blood flow changes, potentially increasing treatment success rates and optimizing pain relief for patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNeuron·DateMar 7, 2024