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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

Live music emotionally moves us more than streamed music

A recent study conducted at the University of Zurich found that live performances stimulate a stronger emotional response in the brain compared to listening to recorded music. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain activity during both live and recorded music sessions, revealing a significant difference in amy...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Taming noise behind bars #Acoustics23

The article discusses the importance of acoustic design in prison environments, where constant noise is harmful to both prisoners and staff. By incorporating speech intelligibility, strategic noise reduction, and privacy considerations, acoustic design can improve communication dynamics and alleviate negative social interactions.

Was “witchcraft” in the Devil’s Church in Koli based on acoustic resonance? – The crevice cave has a unique soundscape

Researchers found a unique resonance phenomenon in the crevice cave that amplifies and lengthens sound at a specific frequency, which may have impacted beliefs associated with it. The study suggests that this resonance could be an exceptional sound phenomenon for the people living in the region centuries ago.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalOpen Archaeology·DateNov 27, 2023

‘Cutting the cord’ to advance ocean data collection

A team led by Lehigh University's Yahong Rosa Zheng is developing an Autonomous Observatory Node that can collect and transmit data from underwater sensors wirelessly, without the need for expensive subsea cables. The prototype aims to operate at depths of up to 1000 meters, enabling researchers to study extreme environments and detect...

“Telekinesis”: Scientists develop new technology for targeted cancer therapy

Researchers have developed a new technology that uses acoustic tweezers to precisely control bacterial clusters in live mice, demonstrating a promising approach for targeted drug delivery and cellular therapy in cancer treatment. The technology, called PAHAT, enables precise non-contact manipulation of cells in living organisms.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 5, 2023

Experts hail 3D audio plug-in VIRTUOSO developed by a Huddersfield academic 'a game-changer'

VIRTUOSO, developed by Dr. Hyunkook Lee from the University of Huddersfield's Applied Psychoacoustics Lab, enables immersive 3D audio without loudspeakers through binaural technology powered by ASPEN. This technology simulates the ambience and reflections found in a room with headphones, allowing for accurate translation to real speakers.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·TypeNews article·DateJun 13, 2023

Symmetry breaking by ultrashort light pulses opens new quantum pathways for coherent phonons

Researchers at Max Born Institute find that ultrafast mid-infrared excitation of electrons in bismuth reduces crystal symmetry, opening new quantum pathways for coherent phonon excitation. This leads to bidirectional atomic motions and oscillations with a frequency different from low-excitation levels.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

These sounds are out of this world! #ASA184

A software program designed by Timothy G. Leighton predicts the environmental sounds of other planets and how human voices might change in distant worlds. The program uses acoustics and planetary science communities to learn about properties such as chemical composition, atmospheric temperature changes, and roughness of the ground.

Singing humpback whales respond to wind noise, but not boats

Researchers found that humpback whales have a unique response to wind noise, singing louder in noisy conditions. In contrast, they do not exhibit an increased reaction to vessel noise from boats. This finding has implications for understanding whale behavior and potential consequences for breeding practices.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2023

Hey Siri, can you hear me? #ASA184

Researchers found that people produce louder and slower speech with less pitch variation when communicating with AI systems, while clearer speech improves comprehension. The study aims to improve AI's ability to understand human speech and investigate language changes as technology advances.

The roar and crackle of Artemis 1

Researchers measured noise levels at locations around the launch pad, finding maximum sound levels exceeded predicted values by nearly 20 decibels. The study's findings will help validate and improve existing noise prediction models to protect equipment and surrounding environments.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJASA Express Letters·DateFeb 14, 2023