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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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Vietnam’s sound decision

In her book 'Sonic Socialism: Crisis and Care in Pandemic Hanoi', Christina Schwenkel explores how Vietnam used sound technologies to inform, regulate, and connect people during the pandemic. The country's success was largely due to its rapid communication systems, including loudspeakers and public health videos.

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.

How the brain becomes a better listener: How focus enhances sound processing

Researchers discovered that neurons in the brain's auditory cortex show large bursts of activity tied to specific moments in a task, suggesting a deep connection between behavior and sound processing. This 'tuning' mechanism enables the brain to produce smaller but more distinctive responses to sounds guiding task performance.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

IQ appears to affect ability to listen in noisy settings

A study of individuals with autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, and typical hearing found that cognitive ability significantly impacted successful speech perception in noisy environments. The researchers discovered a highly significant relationship between intellectual ability and multitalker listening challenge scores.

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.

Proboscis monkeys' big noses boost vocal identity

A new study links the size of male proboscis monkeys' noses to their unique vocal characteristics, suggesting a significant impact on individual identity. The findings shed light on the complex interplay between anatomy, acoustics, and social behavior in animals, with potential implications for human communication.

This smarter sound shield blocks more noise—without blocking air

Researchers at Boston University developed a new ultra-open metamaterial that effectively silences a broader range of unwanted sounds while preserving airflow. This breakthrough enables practical acoustic silencing in diverse settings, such as factories, offices, and public spaces.

Seven-octave ultrabroadband metamaterial absorbers

Researchers have developed a metamaterial absorber spanning seven octaves that demonstrates an average absorption coefficient of 0.944, covering the entire audible spectrum. The absorber's compact profile and ultrabroadband performance show promising applications in aerospace noise reduction and precision acoustic environment control.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Light-based listening: Researchers develop a low-cost visual microphone

Researchers developed a low-cost visual microphone that listens with light instead of sound, capturing tiny vibrations on surfaces caused by sound waves and turning them into audible signals. The system uses single-pixel imaging to detect sound and can recover high-quality audio using everyday objects like paper cards and leaves.

Evaluating music beyond sound: understanding visual influence across genres

A study found that evaluators' musical experience influences the sight-over-sound effect, reducing its impact for those with auditory expertise. The study used Japanese high school brass band competitions and found no significant evidence of the effect in musicians, but a stronger presence in non-musicians.

Playing an instrument may protect against cognitive aging

A study published in PLOS Biology found that long-term musical training can mitigate age-related declines in speech perception by promoting a more youthful pattern of brain activity. This suggests that musical training may build cognitive reserve, helping older adults maintain optimal cognitive performance.

For ultrasound, ultra-strength not always a good thing

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that excessive ultrasonic power can distort wave patterns, suppressing bubble growth and reducing chemical reaction rates. Their findings provide key insights into the balance between sound waves, fluid motion, and bubble physics.

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.

The hidden science of hand clapping

A new study from Cornell and Ole Miss universities reveals the hidden science of hand clapping, showing that it involves a cavity of air being compressed and pushed out of a small space. The researchers found that the volume and duration of claps can be modified by factors such as speed and skin softness.

Sound insulation tiles at school help calm crying children #ASA188

A study conducted at a Japanese school found that classrooms with sound-absorbing materials experienced reduced crying rates among young children, who were able to communicate more clearly. The research aimed to raise awareness about the importance of acoustics in educational settings and inspire regulations.

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.

Sounding out coral larval settlements #ASA188

Researchers found that coral larvae settle near speakers in artificial reef environments, suggesting sound as an environmental cue. The study aims to develop scalable strategies using audiovisual remote sensing tools to monitor reef biodiversity.

Re-creating the sounds of an underground city #ASA188

Researchers at Istanbul Galata University studied the history and architecture of Derinkuyu's ancient underground city to recreate its soundscape. The project aims to provide valuable information for scholars and inspire the design of future underground urban spaces.

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.

Can plants hear their pollinators? #ASA188

Researchers found that plants increase sugar and nectar volume in response to bee buzzing sounds, altering their gene expression. This may be a survival strategy to improve reproductive success by attracting efficient pollinators.

Remotely moving objects underwater using sound #ASA188

Acoustic metamaterial enables pushing, rotating, and complex movements in 3D. Researchers can now move and position objects underwater without touching them directly, paving the way for applications like remote surgery and drug delivery.

Reducing underwater noise when installing subsea structures #ASA188

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a metamaterial that can significantly reduce underwater noise generated by offshore wind farm installation. The technology, which uses carefully arranged plates to trap air and guide sound, achieves a 40-decibel reduction in noise levels.

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.

Helping noisy data centers fit into residential neighborhoods #ASA188

A study by Trinity Consultants identifies effective means of controlling data center noise, including sound barriers and low-frequency resonators. The goal is to create a quieter breed of data centers that can coexist with residential areas, protecting residents from excessive noise.

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.

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.

Listen to quantum atoms talk together thanks to acoustics

Researchers at EPFL have developed a novel acoustic system that can explore condensed matter and their macroscopic properties, circumventing the limitations of quantum phenomena. The system uses sound waves to model quantum probability waves, allowing for direct observation without perturbation.

Safeguarding coffee grinders from hidden stones

A team of researchers developed an innovative acoustic method to detect hidden stones in coffee beans, preventing damage to grinding machines. The system uses empirical mode decomposition and field programmable gate arrays to identify stone presence with near-perfect accuracy.

Scaling the pressure fluctuation in an accelerated liquid

A team of researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a scaling model for transitional pressure development during acceleration. The study combines the incompressible and compressible flow theories to create a unified model that can be applied universally to various floors and liquid types.

Songbirds socialize on the wing during migration, new study says

Researchers have found evidence of songbirds forming social connections and potentially exchanging information about their migration routes through vocalizations. The study suggests that social cues play a significant role in shaping migration behaviors, particularly for young birds learning from observing other birds.

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.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New datasets will train AI models to think like scientists

The Polymathic AI team has released two massive datasets for training artificial intelligence models to find and exploit transferable knowledge between seemingly disparate fields. The datasets include data from dozens of sources, covering astrophysics, biology, acoustics, chemistry, fluid dynamics, and more.

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.

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.

Tapping excess heat from a camp stove for charging power #ASA187

Scientists have created a thermoacoustic engine that converts thermal energy into acoustic energy, which can be transformed into mechanical or electrical energy. The device has the potential to generate power ranging from tens to thousands of watts and could be used for camping, backpacking, and emergency situations.

Do pipe organs create an auto-tune effect? #ASA187

Researcher Ashley Snow found that pipe organs create an auto-tune effect through sympathetic resonance, enhancing the overall musical sound of ensembles. The study used a sine-sweep test to measure response with microphones inside and around the organ pipes during performances and services.

Listening for early signs of Alzheimer’s disease #ASA187

Researchers from École de Technologie Supérieure and Dartmouth University are investigating the use of earpiece microphones to spot early signs of Alzheimer’s. They aim to develop health-monitoring algorithms for hearables capable of continuous, long-term monitoring and early disease detection.

ASA invites media to virtual acoustics meeting Nov. 18-22

The Acoustical Society of America is hosting a virtual meeting from November 18-22, showcasing recent work on various topics including Alzheimer's disease detection and windfarms' impact on wildlife. Journalists can pre-register for press conferences and technical sessions.

Measuring Martian winds with sound

A team of researchers has created a new sonic anemometer that can track wind speeds on Mars with remarkable precision and speed. The system uses sound pulses to measure wind direction and speed in three dimensions, providing valuable insights into the Martian climate and atmosphere.

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.

AI-powered headphones filter only unwanted noise #ASA186

Researchers developed AI-based headphones that selectively filter out specific sounds while preserving others. This technology uses a smartphone-based neural network trained to identify 20 different environmental sound categories, allowing users to choose what to hear.

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.

Building a better sarcasm detector #ASA186

Researchers developed a multimodal algorithm for improved sarcasm detection, examining multiple aspects of audio recordings for increased accuracy. The approach combines sentiment analysis using text and emotion recognition using audio for a comprehensive analysis.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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