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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.

SourceKeio University Global Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2025
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 21, 2025

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.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 17, 2025

Looking beyond speech recognition to evaluate cochlear implants

Researchers found CI sound quality leads to a 32% variance in users' quality of life, while speech recognition has virtually no predictive power. The study challenges decades of clinical practice focusing on speech understanding in quiet environments.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJASA Express Letters·DateOct 14, 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.

Twisting sound: Scientists discover a new way to control mechanical vibrations in metamaterial

Researchers at CUNY ASRC introduce twistelastics, a technique using tiny rotations to manipulate mechanical waves, allowing unprecedented adaptability in sound and vibration control. The breakthrough enables flexible wave behavior for applications in medical imaging, consumer electronics, and microfluidics.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2025

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 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.

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

What makes an opera singer stand out? New research decodes 'black box' of opera evaluation

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.

SourceKeio University Global Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 5, 2025

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.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 3, 2025
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.

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2025

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.

SourceBoston University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 6, 2025

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.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 31, 2025

"High notes from one side, deep tones from the other" – Janus-like wave transmission

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.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 24, 2025

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.

SourceKeio University Global Research Institute·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2025
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.

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2025

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.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalUltrasonics Sonochemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2025
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.

Hear here: How loudness and acoustic cues help us judge where a speaker is facing

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.

SourceSophia University·JournalAcoustical Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2025

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.

SourceUniversity of Mississippi·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateMay 29, 2025

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 23, 2025

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 22, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 21, 2025

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 21, 2025

Physics advance details new way to control solid objects in liquid

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 20, 2025

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 20, 2025
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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Would a musical triangle of any other shape sound as sweet?

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJASA Express Letters·DateMay 6, 2025

Simulate sound in 3D at a finer scale than humans can perceive

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateApr 15, 2025
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.

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review B·DateMar 25, 2025

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.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalApplied Sciences·DateMar 19, 2025

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.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateJan 28, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 15, 2025

Evaluation of influence of offshore wind farm noise on fishes and dolphins

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.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2025

First evidence in the Levant (and among the first in the world) of communal worship in caves and the development of religious rituals

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.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 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.

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.

SourceSimons Foundation·DateDec 2, 2024
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.

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 21, 2024

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 20, 2024

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 20, 2024
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.

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 19, 2024

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateOct 18, 2024

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateAug 13, 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.

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

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 16, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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