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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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 16, 2024
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.

All wound up: A clearer look at electric guitar pickups #ASA186

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 15, 2024
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.

Making every hair appointment a sound experience #ASA186

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 14, 2024

Catch and release can give sea turtles the bends #ASA186

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 13, 2024

Good vibrations: New tech may lead to smaller, more powerful wireless devices

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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
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.

Software DJ creates automated pop song mashups #Acoustics23

A new software algorithm intelligently combines vocals and instrumentals from different songs, mimicking professional music composition techniques. The result is a unique blend of pleasing lyrics and exciting instrumentals that appeal to listeners, particularly hip-hop fans.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 7, 2023

Making table tennis accessible for blind players #Acoustics23

A team of researchers has created an audio feedback system that uses neuromorphic cameras and speaker arrays to provide real-time audio cues in three dimensions. The system enables blind players to track the ball and movements, allowing them to play table tennis with greater accuracy.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 5, 2023
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.

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 5, 2023

Wearable ultrasound monitor can aid rehabilitation from injury #Acoustics23

Researchers have developed a wearable ultrasound system that can provide clinically relevant information about muscle function during dynamic physical activity. The device uses a patented approach to transmit long-duration chirps, allowing for real-time analysis of muscle dynamics and aiding in the rehabilitation process.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 5, 2023

A farsighted approach to tackle nearsightedness #Acoustics23

Researchers using acoustic imaging measure eye size and growth to better understand myopia's contributing factors. Education level, light stimulation, and outdoor time are found to correlate with the development of myopia. Current solutions like glasses and contacts are being replaced by eyedrops for children and collaborative efforts ...

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 4, 2023
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.

Needle-free ultrasound vaccine delivery #Acoustics23

Researchers have developed a needle-free ultrasound vaccine delivery technique that produces a higher immune response than traditional methods. By harnessing acoustic energy to clear passages and drive drug molecules into cells, the approach shows promise in reducing costs and increasing efficacy while minimizing risks.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 3, 2023

Teaching physics from the din of flying discs #Acoustics23

Researchers created a unique dataset from flying discs, enabling students to learn basic signal processing tools and data visualization techniques. The experiment uses Doppler shift to determine velocity, providing valuable insights into acoustics.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 3, 2023

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...

SourceLehigh University·DateNov 13, 2023
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.

With a new app, smart devices can have GPS underwater

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed an underwater 3D-positioning app for smart devices, allowing divers to accurately track each other's locations. The app uses acoustic signals and timestamps to estimate diver distances and locations, improving accuracy with more devices in the network.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJul 24, 2023

Acoustics researchers decompose sound accurately into its three basic components

Acoustics researchers have decomposed sound into its three basic components, whistles, clicks, and hisses, using ideas from auditory perception, fuzzy logic, and perfect reconstruction. The new method emerges as the winning way to decompose most sounds in a listening test.

SourceAalto University·JournalJournal of the Audio Engineering Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 11, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

“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

Even weak traffic noise has a negative impact on work performance

A laboratory study found that exposure to background traffic noise, even at 40 dB, significantly impairs concentration and perceived workload. Researchers also highlight the difficulties in avoiding high-frequency noise indoors due to reduced vehicle speeds.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2023

Crushed clams, roaming rays: acoustic tags reveal predator interactions

A longitudinal study using acoustic telemetry monitored rays in clam leases, finding that rays spent more time near sites than reported, but not necessarily preferring them. The study highlights the need to understand if clam leases are part of rays' natural foraging habitats and if they interact with the clams.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Fire hydrant hydrophones find water leaks #ASA184

Researchers developed algorithms to analyze acoustic signals from fire hydrant-mounted hydrophones, pinpointing leaks in aging water distribution networks. This technology supports water conservation efforts, especially in the Western US where leaks are a significant issue.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 11, 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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 11, 2023
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.

Songs of the oceans raise environmental awareness #ASA184

Acoustic artist Colin Malloy transforms ocean data into captivating percussion songs, raising awareness about the impact of oil production on oceans. His music aims to encourage listeners to reflect on the issues surrounding oceans, leveraging the power of art to digest information on an emotional level.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 10, 2023

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

Fighting racial bias in next-gen breast cancer screening #ASA184

Researchers developed a virtual framework to investigate the effectiveness of optoacoustic tomography for breast cancer screening in people with darker skin. The results confirmed that tumors can be harder to locate in individuals with darker skin, highlighting the need to optimize imaging systems to mitigate racial bias.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 9, 2023

Tracking whales as they cruise the Arctic

Scientists have successfully tracked fin whales using fibre-optic cables in the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. The system, called Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), allows for simultaneous location and tracking of whales over an 1800 km² area with relatively low infrastructure investment.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2023
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.

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 9, 2023

Beyond necessity, hearing aids bring enjoyment through music #ASA184

Researchers have found that hearing aid users are dissatisfied with the sound quality of music when using their hearing aids. However, some manufacturers' music programs have improved significantly. The team tested 200 recordings and found that two brands stood out in terms of music quality.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 8, 2023
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.

Warmer climate could cause Puerto Rico’s frogs to croak #ASA184

A study found that the coqui frog's calls have changed over a 23-year period due to rising temperatures, with higher-pitched calls at higher elevations. This shift may indicate a mini-migration of frogs up the mountain as temperatures increase, posing a threat to their survival.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 8, 2023

Lead vocal tracks in popular music go quiet

An analysis of popular song recordings from 1946 to 2020 found a significant decrease in the lead vocal to accompaniment ratio, indicating that lead singers are getting quieter. Changes in music technology appear to be behind this trend until 1975.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJASA Express Letters·DateApr 25, 2023

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
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.

Exploring the features of music that people fall asleep to

A new study has identified several commonalities and diversity in sleep music, including quieter and slower tempos, more acoustic instruments, and a range of energetic levels. Despite these trends, popular sleep playlists on Spotify include faster and louder tracks that may aid relaxation for some people.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

Baby seals show off vocal skills #ASA183

Seal pups possess an innate ability to change their voice pitch and volume, as well as recognize and respond to rhythmic sounds. This study suggests a possible evolutionary link between human-like language abilities and vocal plasticity in seals.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 9, 2022
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.

Helping acoustic concepts resonate with students #ASA183

An experimental music piece by Alvin Lucier can be used to reveal details of the surrounding room and teach important lessons about acoustic resonance. Students can analyze the frequencies that make up the recording to determine which frequencies are resonances of the room, and then calculate the distance between pairs of walls.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 7, 2022

Text-to-audio models make music from scratch #ASA183

Researchers have developed a text-to-audio model that can generate coherent and relevant music and sound from text, opening up new avenues for creative application and exploration. The model employed data compression methods to improve output quality and reduce training time.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 7, 2022

How behind-the-scenes sound mixing makes movie magic #ASA183

Acoustic engineers use techniques like impulse responses to reproduce dialogue and other sounds in film. This process creates a believable audio experience for viewers, drawing them into the story. By carefully balancing dialogue, effects, and music, sound mixers achieve cinematic magic.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 7, 2022

Martian dust devil analogues in the Mojave Desert #ASA183

Researchers have developed an algorithm to detect pressure activity indicative of dust devils in the Mojave Desert, which can inform their formation and life cycles on Mars. The study aims to improve Martian weather models and enhance robotic missions.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 7, 2022

3D-printed violins bring music into more hands #ASA183

A team of researchers created 3D-printed violins using modern materials and techniques, producing a darker, more mellow sound. The project aims to make music education accessible through the printing of affordable instruments.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 6, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Cultivating a music studio to sound like an indoor forest #ASA183

Blackbird Studio C's ambient-anechoic portmanteau, ambichoic, reduces sound reflections, creating a balanced and immersive space for musicians and engineers. The studio's unique design utilizes primitive root diffusers to diffuse sound energy, resulting in a comfortable and engaging environment.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 6, 2022

Supersonic travel, without the sonic boom #ASA183

NASA will conduct a series of flights over various communities to test its Quesst Mission Supersonic STEM Toolkit and measure sound levels. The mission hopes to inform an overland supersonic sound standard, potentially cutting flight times in half.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 6, 2022

Why those sounds from your upstairs neighbor are so annoying #ASA183

A team of researchers conducted laboratory experiments and online surveys to study the perceived annoyance of impact sounds. They found that thudding sounds created by people walking barefoot are not captured by current standardized performance metrics, which may lead to improved guidance for architects and building code developers.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 6, 2022
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.

Listen to the toilet — it could detect disease #ASA183

Researchers developed a noninvasive microphone sensor that uses machine learning to detect bowel diseases like cholera. The algorithm analyzes audio data from toilet sounds, identifying consistent tones for urination and singular tones for defecation.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 5, 2022