Applied Acoustics

Wall design centers experience of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals #ASA190

Safer surgeries through laser-induced acoustic imaging #ASA190

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.

How blind people map their surroundings using sound

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.

Ultralight ‘organ-pipe’ structure absorbs noise with high structural strength

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.

Hybrid ‘super foam’: tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable

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.

Experimental and numerical framework for acoustic streaming prediction in mid-air phased arrays

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.

Using smartphones to improve disaster search and rescue

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.

Ultrasonic pest control to protect beehives

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.

Neural network helps detect gunshots from illegal rainforest poaching

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.

Developing a new electric vehicle sound

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.

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.

Decoding a decade of grouper grunts unlocks spawning secrets, shifts

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.

Hear that? Mizzou researchers are ‘listening’ to molecules in supersonic conditions

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.

Human brains hear best in a ‘Goldilocks’ zone of reverberation: new study

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.

Mars’s interior more like Rocky Road than Millionaire’s Shortbread, scientists find

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.

"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.

Breakthrough by York University: Dyson-Harrop CubeSat achieves efficient space energy harvesting

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here comes the boom! Studying the effects of rocket launch sonic booms on neighboring communities #ASA188

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.

Helping noisy data centers fit into residential neighborhoods #ASA188

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.

Noise Network Plus: The £1.8 million initiative to engineer a quieter future

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.

Some species of baleen whales avoid attracting killer whales by singing too low to be heard

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.

Novel lab-on-chip platform promises to expedite cancer diagnoses

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.

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.

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.

Pickleball courts in a legal pickle #ASA186

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.

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.

Would the highly sensitive transparent ultrasound transducer revolutionize biomedical imaging technology?

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.

Researchers develop highly efficient heat-driven thermoacoustic refrigerator

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.

Beluga whales’ calls may get drowned out by shipping noise in Alaska’s Cook Inlet

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.

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.

Broadband buzz: Periodical cicadas' chorus measured with fiber optic cables

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.

New audio technique used for census of California Spotted Owls in the Sierra Nevada

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.

Ultrasound-based microfluidic manipulation platform for airborne droplets

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.

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.

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.

It’s not as difficult as you think to shout upwind

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.

How giant-faced owls snag voles hidden in snow

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.

New research tunes theory of sound levitation

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.

Scientists fine-tune “tweezers of sound” for contactless manipulation of objects

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.

Multi-bubble math

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...

Navigating the shallows

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.

The Rule of Two helps make spaces sound better

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.

Hoverfly brains mapped to detect the sound of distant drones

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.

New highly efficient wave-based acoustics simulation for large architectural spaces could revolutionize acoustic design

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.

Measuring the tempo of Utah's red rock towers

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.

The first topological acoustic transistor

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.

Sounding off on Seattle Space Needle renovation #ASA181

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.

Drones show promise in speeding up communication with underwater robots for ocean surveys

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.

Attention-based deep neural network increases detection capability in sonar systems

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.

Researchers create first-ever personalised sound projector with £10 webcam

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.

Heat and sound wave interactions in solids could run engines, refrigerators

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.

Bringing graphene speakers to the mobile market (video)

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.

Self-powered sensors to monitor nuclear fuel rod status

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.

Royal Society award for engineering expert

Professor Artur Jaworski receives Royal Society Industry Fellowship to apply thermoacoustic technology to improve efficiency of energy sources. He aims to integrate devices into European Thermodynamics Ltd products to widen range and enhance performance.

1.25 million euro for thermoacoustic imaging project

A new imaging technique called near-field thermoacoustics has the potential to benefit medical practitioners and biology researchers. The technique uses harmless electromagnetic radiation to create high-contrast images of normal tissues, tumors, and other pathological changes.

A traveling-wave engine to power deep space travel

Researchers have designed a traveling-wave engine that converts 18% of heat source energy into electricity, outperforming current thermoelectric devices. The device's high reliability and efficient energy conversion make it suitable for deep space probes.

'Green' chiller technology rolled out for Earth day

Penn State's new thermoacoustic chiller uses helium gas to keep ice cream in delicious condition without damaging the atmosphere. The technology has potential for widespread use in applications where chemical refrigeration is difficult or banned due to global warming.