Articles tagged with Acoustics
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.
Mizzou researchers have discovered a way to 'listen' to molecules moving faster than the speed of sound, using photoacoustic spectroscopy. This technique could help unravel mysteries of astrochemistry and offer clues about the universe's composition, star formation, and life origins.
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.
A new study found that vibrato is the most significant vocal attribute in determining an opera singer's score, while acoustic features like SPR and HNR have a greater impact than previously thought. The research provides objective insights into how judges evaluate performances and offers tools for vocal training.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A research team has experimentally demonstrated a nonlinear wave phenomenon that changes its frequency depending on the direction of incoming waves. The system exhibits different responses to waves entering from one side versus the other, with potential applications in medical ultrasound imaging and noise control.
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.
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.
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.
Rice University professor Lei Li has received a NSF CAREER Award to develop wearable medical imaging technology capable of visualizing deep tissue function in real time. The project aims to miniaturize hospital-grade imaging systems into compact, energy-efficient wearables.
In a recent study, researchers found that loudness is a strong indicator of the speaker's facing direction, but also rely on spectral cues. The findings have implications for designing more realistic virtual interactions, particularly those involving human speech, and can enhance user experience in immersive media.
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.
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.
The University of Oldenburg has secured funding for three research clusters: Hearing4all, Ocean Floor, and NaviSense. These clusters aim to improve hearing loss prediction, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as animal navigation research. The funding enables the continuation of high-quality research with social relevance.
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.
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.
Researchers have developed a technique to create spin in liquid droplets using ultrasound waves, concentrating solid particles suspended in the liquid. This allows for the creation of novel technologies for biomedical applications and research on rotating systems.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers from Brigham Young University and California State University, Bakersfield collected data on Falcon 9 rocket sonic booms to understand their impact. They found that the magnitude of sonic booms can vary greatly with weather conditions, launch time, vehicle trajectory, and time of year.
Researchers built a data pipeline to train AI tools for childhood speech screening, addressing the lack of representative datasets. The resulting high-quality dataset enables faster and more accurate diagnoses, especially in areas with limited access to specialists.
Researchers use acoustics to identify corroded UXOs in shallow water, making them difficult to observe with standard sonar imaging techniques. The study helps provide better predictive tools for finding UXOs in civilian environmental demining efforts.
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.
A team of researchers has found that sound waves can create standing waves in semi-open spaces, potentially enabling resonance in shapes with open sides. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that resonance requires closed sides.
Scientists develop an ambisonic algorithm to simulate precise sound locations in 3D, reproducing sounds with high accuracy and precision. The AudioDome loudspeaker array achieves a spatial resolution comparable to human spatial acuity.
Researchers found significant bird song decline only where more than 99% solar obscuration occurred. The study used a novel neural network approach and controlled for human presence, revealing varied responses among different bird species.
Researchers at NCSA and UICOMP have created an improved, automated screening method for anxiety and depression disorders using machine learning and acoustic analysis of verbal fluency data. The new tool offers promise for overcoming barriers to diagnosis and treatment.
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.
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.
The study found that the 'pop' sound is caused by sudden expansion of carbon dioxide and air mixture in the bottle, as well as a strong cooling effect, resulting in high decibel emissions. The liquid level rises after opening, causing sloshing due to momentum transfer from the lid hitting the glass.
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.
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.
Researchers evaluated the noise impact of offshore wind farms on fishes and dolphins in the Pearl River Estuary. The study found that pile driving noise during construction can significantly affect marine animals, with predicted impact zones varying by species.
A 35,000-year-old ritual complex in the Manot Cave offers insight into the spiritual practices of Paleolithic hunter-gatherer groups. The discovery reveals evidence of human-made engravings, ash remains from fire, and acoustic tests that suggest a unique auditory experience for communal activities.
Researchers are developing a system to instantly conceal and anonymize voices through computer-generated speech. The technology will allow users to control factors like age, gender, and dialect in real-time conversations.
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.
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.
The study analyzes the impact of enunciation on speech-to-text accuracy in medical situations, highlighting challenges with medical terms and noisy environments. A new audio dataset was created to improve the technology's usefulness for healthcare professionals.
Researchers have created an acoustic model of the Parasaurolophus' crest, a unique feature of the duck-billed dinosaur. The model replicates the sounds produced by the crest, providing insights into the animal's communication and social behavior.
Researchers are revolutionizing fresco assessment with laser Doppler vibrometry, enabling the detection of hidden delaminated areas. This technology aims to democratize conservation expertise and create accessible tools for preserving these cultural treasures.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A University of Washington team has developed an AI system called Target Speech Hearing that cancels all other sounds and plays the enrolled speaker's voice in real time. The system was tested on 21 subjects, who rated the clarity of the enrolled speaker's voice nearly twice as high as the unfiltered audio on average.
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.
A recent survey on aircraft noise and annoyance conducted during the pandemic era reveals flaws in existing methods to assess and mitigate noise impacts. The study suggests that annoyance levels are a proven correlation to overall noise levels, contradicting current industry practices.
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.
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.
Researchers analyzed the calls of two male emperor penguins, E-79 and E-81, and discovered a unique combination of masculine and feminine characteristics. This finding could lead to new methods for studying penguin behavior and assessing their reproductive state, which is crucial for conservation efforts.
Researchers found that electric guitar pickups generate an electric current through vibration of a magnetized string, affected by coil winding and variables like wire thickness and magnet type. This understanding enables guitarists to make informed pickup selections and adjustments.
Researchers found that flutists must compose unique songs to win love and respect among the tribe. The tradition's revival has led to a new generation of players, including the sons of leaders who helped maintain the tradition.
Acoustic experts reduce noise levels in a high-end salon, improving conversation ease and protecting employees' hearing. The successful solution can be applied to other salons, restaurants, stores, and conference centers to enhance clear communication and occupational safety.
Researchers evaluated the health of accidentally caught sea turtles using ultrasound imaging to monitor gas levels in their organs. Veterinarians found that ultrasound brightness could be used to differentiate gas levels over time, helping them predict treatment outcomes for bycaught sea turtles.
Researchers at the University of Arizona and Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new class of synthetic materials that enable giant nonlinear interactions between phonons. This breakthrough could lead to smaller, more efficient wireless devices, such as smartphones or other data transmitters.