Articles tagged with Acoustics
Researchers developed a machine learning framework to detect and classify shell-crushing sounds, enabling the quantification of predator impacts on mollusk populations. The system uses multi-step approaches and demonstrates strong performance in controlled tank conditions and field settings.
A team of researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology conducted a study on 28 individuals who experience an unexplained buzzing or humming sound. The investigation tested two hypotheses: measuring the sound waves from human-made infrastructure and industry, as well as those produced by nature itself.
A team of researchers at Penn State designed a system that can manipulate sound waves to produce high-quality audio in a precise, private area. The 3D-printed speaker cover uses acoustic metasurfaces to focus sound into a tight 'bubble' that is only audible within a small space.
Researchers developed a new analysis of sound wave behavior, revealing surprising effects that have been overlooked for decades. At high sound levels, the shape of the wave becomes progressively distorted, with crests compressing into narrow spikes.
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.
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.
Scientists have successfully demonstrated atomic spin qubit interaction with a single-quantum sound wave, opening up new possibilities for quantum information storage and sensing applications. The experiment uses phonons to interact with atomic defects in diamond, enabling precise measurement of forces and temperatures.
Scientists found that the brain adapts to noise-induced damage within 24 hours by increasing excitability and inhibitory inputs in the superior paraolivary nucleus. This enables the restoration of critical timing information for sound processing, despite diminished sensitivity to quieter sounds.
The new computational violin simulates the physics of string interaction with air, producing realistic sound. Luthiers can tweak parameters like wood type or body thickness before hearing the instrument's response.
Researchers developed meta-earplugs with Helmholtz resonators to address low-frequency sound issues. The earplugs use precise tuning of reflected sound waves to relieve pressure and increase protection.
A new acoustic device, PAL Wideband pinger, has been found to reduce harbour porpoise bycatch in the Black Sea by approximately 74%. The device's wider frequency band (10-150 kHz) is believed to contribute to its effectiveness. Effective strategies to reduce bycatch are urgently needed for the critically endangered species.
A new study by UNSW researchers shows how a neural network can detect blue whale songs with remarkable accuracy, using only one recording of a blue whale call. The model performed well on real-world recordings, even those that were not part of the training data.
Researchers analyzed a Virginia colony of wild gray bats, finding they modify their echolocation calls based on the size of their flying group and environmental obstacles. The study reveals how these adjustments help the bats navigate safely during flight.
MIT researchers found plants respond to sound waves generated by raindrops, stimulating germination. Seeds exposed to rain sounds germinated 30-40% faster than those not exposed.
Researchers found AI voice clones to be up to 20% more intelligible than humans in various testing scenarios, including noise, age, and accent. This breakthrough raises questions about the potential applications of voice cloning technology.
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.
The Salk Institute will lead an ARPA-H-funded project to develop ultrasound-sensitive protein tools, wearable ultrasound delivery technology, and a translational path to the clinic for major unmet medical needs. The team aims to create a noninvasive therapy for conditions such as peripheral neuropathy.
Researchers at Cornell University developed WatchHand, a wearable technology that equips smartwatches with AI-powered micro sonar to track hand poses in real time. The system uses existing microphone and speaker on standard smartwatches, allowing for continuous tracking without bulky hardware.
Researchers have created a carbon-fiber composite that swallows sound waves while retaining the strength of industrial load-bearing panels. The design achieves an average sound absorption coefficient of over 0.9 across a frequency range of 1,500 to 5,500 hertz.
Researchers found that closing eyes impairs hearing in noisy environments, while visual engagement improves sensitivity. Visual engagement helps anchor the auditory system to the external world.
Parasites alter male calls, creating a complex pattern that can change how females evaluate potential partners. Females prefer lower-frequency calls, but also weigh the risk of parasite infection, making mate choice a nuanced decision.
Researchers at Texas A&M University and DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory developed a hybrid foam with a 3D-printed plastic skeleton, offering tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable properties. The composite combines ordinary foam with plastic struts, allowing it to absorb more energy and withstand greater forces.
Researchers developed a digital safeguard, My Music My Choice, to protect songs from generative AI cloning. The tool adds imperceptible changes to a song's waveform, making it difficult for AI models to replicate.
Researchers found that the visual design of a concert hall significantly affects perceived timbre, with more saturated colors producing colder sounds. Listeners also reported higher liking scores in darker environments, highlighting the importance of considering visual appearance in acoustic design.
Researchers uncover novel mechanism of sound production in boxfishes, highlighting evolutionary transition from mute to vocal species. A comparative anatomical analysis reveals absence of sound mechanism in related Aracanidae family, supporting importance of acoustic communication in fish evolution.
Researchers evaluated the hearing sensitivity of Kemp's ridley sea turtles, finding they are most sensitive to low-frequency sounds produced by ships and machinery. This understanding will inform efforts to monitor and mitigate noise impacts on these endangered species.
Researchers developed an EEG-based system to decode pleasure from listener's brain activity and suggest personalized playlists. The system outperformed 'acoustics-only' methods, capturing neural markers of pleasure with high accuracy.
Researchers at Binghamton University discovered that caterpillars can hear airborne sounds via microscopic hairs on their bodies. The study found that the caterpillars were 10 to 100 times more responsive to airborne sound than surface vibrations felt on their feet, suggesting a new approach for improving microphone technology.
The Arctic is experiencing a rise in human-generated underwater noise due to melting ice and increased activity, disrupting wildlife and local communities. A new study from the University of Bath provides a clear framework for monitoring noise in Arctic waters, urging authorities to revise thresholds used to assess noise levels.
Researchers developed a high-resolution 3D ultrasonic imaging system for concrete that automatically adapts to different materials, improving contrast between defects and background material. The system uses a wide range of frequencies and can handle diverse materials without manual tuning.
Researchers developed a new 'frequency-multiplexed elastic metasurface' that can precisely direct elastic waves at distinct frequencies onto different locations, enhancing signal intensity by up to 48 times. This technology breaks the conventional belief that one structure can perform only one function.
A new study has found that living walls can significantly enhance urban biodiversity by attracting pollinators and other wildlife. The research revealed that soil-based living walls with plants in soil attracted more wildlife than those with artificial substrates, and specific plant species like ivy and honeysuckle were most effective.
Researchers have developed a fast and easy test that can track the aging process of red blood cells after storage, potentially improving the quality of blood transfusions. The device uses surface acoustic waves to detect changes in metabolites associated with aging cells.
Researchers developed an AI-based system that accurately detects whip sounds in horse racing, achieving detection rates of up to 70% in audio data. The system's ability to process audio in real-time and its reliance on high-frequency components make it a promising tool for improving animal welfare and fair competition.
Researchers have developed a new acoustic wave-producing technology on an electronic chip, enabling customizable curved waves for trapping objects, routing wave information, and transporting fluids. This innovation has significant potential in medical applications, such as noninvasive surgery and biosensors.
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers analyzed the linear stability of a two-dimensional compressible Euler-Euler system around planar Couette flow. They found that when sound speeds align, the drag force acts as a stabilizer, controlling turbulence growth rates. This study provides new mathematical ideas for turbulence control.
Researchers have developed a method to generate and detect sound waves at sub-terahertz frequencies using optically driven devices. The discovery was made possible by launching shear hypersound pulses with exceptionally large amplitudes in metal halide perovskites.
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.
High-volume noise exposure in a mouse model of early-stage Parkinson's disease slowed movement and reduced balance, suggesting a connection between sound processing and movement areas. Chronic noise exposure mimicked Parkinsonian symptoms by damaging dopamine-producing cells.