Researchers unveiled a technique to build ultra-clean 2D heterostructures using muscovite crystals, eliminating microscopic residues that disrupt electronic device performance. This method enables precise stacking of atomic layers, leading to new properties and potential breakthroughs in quantum computing and nanoelectronics.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2026
The study found that dolphins visit two coastal communities along the Sea of Japan, with detection rates occurring once every ten days. The researchers recorded unique whistle characteristics in each bay, suggesting differences in sound environments or animal behavior.
SourceKyoto University·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026
Scientists have discovered a way to track whales using fiber-optic cables by detecting low-frequency pressure waves generated by their movement. This method allows researchers to identify whale tracks even when the animals are not vocalizing, expanding their capabilities for remote sensing applications.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2026
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A team of researchers at Penn State designed a system that can manipulate sound waves to produce high-quality audio in a precise, private area. The 3D-printed speaker cover uses acoustic metasurfaces to focus sound into a tight 'bubble' that is only audible within a small space.
Research finds that textured walls can improve speech clarity for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals by controlling sound travel. The study developed a patterned wall design that can be tailored to different room shapes and sizes using 3D printing, offering personalized acoustic performance.
Photoacoustic imaging uses lasers to reveal hidden blood vessels and nerve bundles, guiding surgeons for fewer complications. The technique enables real-time augmented reality video feeds during laparoscopic surgeries.
Researchers linked neural activity to blind individuals' ability to determine object location using echolocation. Accuracy improved with repeated mouth clicks, suggesting a summation of information in the brain.
SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateApr 6, 2026
Researchers have created a carbon-fiber composite that swallows sound waves while retaining the strength of industrial load-bearing panels. The design achieves an average sound absorption coefficient of over 0.9 across a frequency range of 1,500 to 5,500 hertz.
SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 24, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at Texas A&M University and DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory developed a hybrid foam with a 3D-printed plastic skeleton, offering tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable properties. The composite combines ordinary foam with plastic struts, allowing it to absorb more energy and withstand greater forces.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalComposite Structures·DateMar 6, 2026
Researchers developed a framework to predict acoustic streaming in mid-air phased arrays, revealing its influence on tactile perception and object stability. The study validates thermoviscous and atmospheric attenuation models, enabling precise sound-field design for safer ultrasonic interfaces.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·Journalnpj Acoustics·DateFeb 18, 2026
Researchers use smartphone microphones to detect sound waves that can penetrate through rubble, helping locate trapped victims. The method achieved an error of 5.04 degrees away from the hypothetical victim in a field test on a disaster training site.
Researchers develop sustainable and efficient pest control method that doesn't harm bees, targeting vulnerable species like greater and lesser wax moths. The technique uses ultrasonic signals to deter the pests, offering a potential solution to declining bee populations and food security concerns.
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A new neural network developed by Naveen Dhar can filter out false positives in gunshot detectors, providing accurate alerts for on-the-ground intervention. The system uses a web of autonomous recording units and a central hub to analyze audio data and pinpoint the location of gunshots.
A team of researchers designed a custom approach sound library for electric vehicles using low-frequency noise, which was found to be more effective at alerting pedestrians. The sounds were tested with volunteers and ranked highly on criteria such as urgency and noticeability.
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.
Researchers analyzed over 2,000 hours of underwater recordings to detect subtle shifts in red hind spawning behavior and population dynamics. The study found a notable shift in the balance of mating calls over the 12-year period, with calls linked to competition becoming dominant.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2025
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.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2025
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers at Macquarie University discovered that listeners adapt to the characteristics of acoustic spaces to improve their understanding of speech. The 'Goldilocks' zone of reverberation, around 400 milliseconds, optimizes learning and adaptation.
SourceMacquarie University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2025
New research finds Mars' mantle preserves a record of its violent beginnings, with chunky layers containing ancient fragments up to 4km wide. This discovery offers a rare glimpse into the evolution of rocky planets and challenges current understanding of planetary formation.
SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2025
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
The Dyson-Harrop CubeSat system harnesses high-density energy from the solar wind and offers a compact, modular solution for space-based clean energy. It generates approximately 1 kilowatt of power, more than ten times greater than similarly sized conventional solar panels.
SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalChinese Journal of Aeronautics·DateJun 18, 2025
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.
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
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
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.
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.
The initiative focuses on promoting conscious design processes to create quieter products, buildings and transportation systems to reduce noise pollution. By adopting a systems-thinking approach, it will address the root causes of noise and its impacts on people, environment and economy.
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.
Baleen whale species that flee from killer whales produce calls at deep frequencies undetectable to their predators, while others sing higher-frequency songs that are easily heard. This 'flight' vs 'fight' difference influences all aspects of baleen whale behavior, from migration patterns and communication to mating and feeding habits.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMarine Mammal Science·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 6, 2025
A novel lab-on-chip platform uses acoustofluidics to efficiently separate rare circulating tumor cells, enabling real-time diagnosis. The system's precision and energy efficiency hold promise for improved cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJan 28, 2025
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.
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Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
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.
An attorney and retired mechanical engineer highlights the need for infrastructure or limitations on play to address noise nuisance complaints from neighbors. He recommends building courts far from homes or using less noisy paddles and balls to mitigate the issue.
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.
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Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A novel transparent ultrasonic transducer (TUT) developed by POSTECH researchers offers exceptional optical transparency and maintains acoustic performance, surpassing conventional limitations. This breakthrough enables high-depth-to-resolution ratios for ultrasound imaging, with applications in various medical devices and fields.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2024
A novel bypass configuration eliminates temperature matching constraints, achieving energy flow field synergy and significantly improving efficiency. The system outperforms existing HDTRs, comparable to double-effect absorption refrigerators.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024
Researchers found that commercial ship noise completely masks Cook Inlet beluga whales' most commonly used calls, compromising their critical communication. The study documents the complex vocal repertoire of the population and provides a quantified measure of masking by ship noise on their communication.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2023
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.
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A new proof-of-concept study demonstrates the use of distributed fiber optic sensing to detect and analyze the sound of periodical cicadas. The technology shows promise for charting the populations of these famously ephemeral bugs, with potential applications in monitoring insect abundance across seasons and years.
SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Insect Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023
Researchers from Cornell University and University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a new audio technique to estimate the Spotted Owl population across the entire Sierra Nevada ecosystem. The analysis yielded an estimated 2,218 to 2,328 adult owls on federally managed lands, providing critical conservation baseline.
SourceCornell University·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 28, 2023
Researchers developed a microfluidic platform harnessing acoustic radiation force to manipulate droplets in air, achieving jump heights of up to 128mm. The platform allows for control over the direction and movement of droplets, enabling potential applications in scientific experiments and three-dimensional displays.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateAug 2, 2023
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
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
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.
A new study reveals that our perception of difficulty in shouting upwind is incorrect. It's not the wind itself that makes it hard, but rather our inability to hear ourselves due to the convective attenuation effect. The study found that sound carries better within the first 100 meters upwind, making it easier for others to hear us.
SourceAalto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 24, 2023
Great gray owls have a broad disc-like face that acts as radar to find food, while their facial features help correct for sonic distortions caused by snow. The owls' ability to hover above prey allows them to pinpoint location and avoid acoustic mirages created by the snow.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 30, 2022
Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney have extended the theory of acoustic levitation to account for asymmetrical particles, which is more applicable to real-world experience. This new understanding enables precise control and sorting of tiny objects using ultrasonic waves.
SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2022
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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers have enhanced technology to lift small particles using sound waves, achieving stable lifting of particles from surfaces. By fine-tuning control using an adaptive algorithm, they have improved the stability of their 'acoustic tweezers' technology, which could be deployed in space and other environments with minimal contact.
SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateAug 20, 2022
Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have developed a theoretical model to describe the motion of ultrasound waves in liquids containing multiple bubbles, which may enable advances in diagnostic and therapeutic applications of ultrasound technology. The new equations can also be used to enhance microbubble-enhanced medical applicati...
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalUltrasonics Sonochemistry·DateJul 11, 2022
A team of researchers from the University of Tsukuba has developed a new approach for accurate underwater acoustic positioning in multipath environments. By using a database of signals and selectively removing reflected waves, they achieve centimeter-scale accuracy in object location, even in shallow waters.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateMay 26, 2022
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.
The Rule of Two method uses multiple measurements to collect reliable data, overcoming the limitations of single sine sweep techniques. This new approach will make it easier and faster to design rooms with optimal acoustic combinations, leading to better sound quality in various spaces.
SourceAalto University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMar 30, 2022
Australian researchers have mapped the visual systems of hoverflies to detect drones' acoustic signatures, showing a 30-49% improvement in detection rates compared to traditional methods. The technology has potential applications for aviation safety and combatting IED-carrying drones.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 15, 2022
Researchers developed a highly efficient wave-based acoustics simulation that can accurately estimate the acoustics of large-scale interior spaces. The method uses a time-domain Finite Element Method to consider frequency-dependent characteristics of sound absorption materials, enabling precise modeling and high-speed estimations.
SourceKobe University·JournalBuildings·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2022
University of Utah researchers measured 14 rock towers in Utah to predict their seismic stability. They used mathematics that describe built structures' resonance to create a dataset, allowing for predictions without climbing the towers.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2022
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Harvard researchers create first topological acoustic transistor, utilizing sound waves to control flow on and off. The device demonstrates scalable and controllable 'acoustic switches' with potential applications in efficient noise reduction, ultrasound imaging, and more.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 5, 2022
The Seattle Space Needle renovation incorporated acoustic designs to limit sound transmission, enhancing visitor experience. Acoustic materials and effective reverberant sound control were selected for the observation levels and restaurant.
Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science have found that drones can be used as communication bases with underwater robotic devices (AUVs) for ocean surveys. UAVs offer high-speed observations, mobility, and resistance to ocean currents, making them suitable candidates for this application.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalRemote Sensing·DateOct 29, 2021
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Researchers developed an attention-based deep neural network to detect multiple ship targets, exceeding conventional networks' performance. The model focused on inherent features of the two ships simultaneously, outperforming traditional approaches.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJASA Express Letters·DateOct 12, 2021
A University of Sussex research team has developed a personal sound projector that can track a moving individual and deliver an acoustic message in real-time. The system uses a low-cost camera to focus sound on a target, creating a sphere of sound around 6cm in diameter.
Researchers at Purdue University have demonstrated the theoretical existence of thermoacoustics in solids, which could lead to the development of solid-state engines and refrigerators. The technology harnesses temperature oscillations and sound waves to generate energy, making it suitable for harsh environments like outer space.
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Scientists have created graphene audio speakers for mobile devices with a sound quality comparable to existing systems. The new fabrication method uses ultra-thin graphene aerogels that don't vibrate and can be mass-produced for use in mobile devices.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 7, 2016
Researchers have developed self-powered sensors that can harness heat from nuclear reactors to transmit data, addressing a critical monitoring issue. The sensors use thermoacoustic technology, exploiting the interaction between heat and sound waves to operate without electronic power or moving parts.