Articles tagged with Sound
Scientists at McGill University's Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital have discovered that the brain can determine the shape of an object by processing specially-coded sounds, even without visual or tactile input. This new research provides important possibilities for aiding those who are blind or with impaired vision.
A recent study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that some people can't resist collecting new experiences, driving unusual consumption choices. Consumers view these activities and products as opportunities to build their 'experiential CV,' connecting to their desire to use time efficiently and productively.
Researchers found that hearing repetitive sounds in brand names can affect a person's mood, leading to increased emotional response when choosing products. Marketers and advertisers can leverage this strategy through TV ads and employee interactions.
A team of Georgia Tech researchers developed PinDr0p, a system that analyzes and assembles call artifacts to create a fingerprint, allowing for the identification of call provenance with up to 100% accuracy. This technique helps detect phone phishing scams by exploiting unique signatures left on call audio by voice networks.
Researchers found that adding phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizer can speed up the biodegradation of oil in contaminated soil. The study suggests a treatment scheme involving nitrate salts to stimulate rapid biodegradation by increasing sediment porosity and oxygen availability.
Researchers create panels that can harness hygroelectricity, a phenomenon where water in the atmosphere picks up an electrical charge. This technology has the potential to provide renewable energy, especially in humid regions like the northeastern and southeastern US.
The use of digital film reels is becoming increasingly common in the movie industry, with digital cinema packages (DCPs) replacing analog film. The easyDCP Creator software makes creating these digital film packages easier, allowing for simple and clear operation without full expertise on ISO standards.
A team of McGill chemists has discovered a technique that can identify the composition of pigments used in art work that is decades or even centuries old. The technique, known as photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy, analyzes the infrared spectra emitted by pigments when exposed to light, allowing researchers to classify 12 historically...
A series of studies published in Neuropsychology found that Arabic's visual complexity affects the right hemisphere's role in decoding text. Reading acquisition in Arabic is harder due to its unique script, requiring more practice and pedagogic effort.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that brain-wave patterns predict the ease of disruption by noise, with participants maintaining consistent spindle rates during sleep. The study aims to develop solutions to help patients stay asleep in noisy environments, such as hospitals.
Researchers will develop a forecasting ability to predict toxic dinoflagellate blooms and build a mobile lab to investigate the key driver behind fish-killing algae. The goal is to provide seasonal predictions and minimize public health risks.
Researchers at NYU identified a key mechanism in the brain's computation of sound location, challenging existing theories. The study found that neurons respond to the rise time of synaptic inputs rather than their width.
The Lancet highlights the 10 reasons why women and children are invisible, including a lack of social mission, poor attitudes, inadequate evaluation, and insufficient leadership. The article emphasizes the need for coordination and empowerment to address these issues.
Researchers at Tufts University have identified a hormone-like signaling system in the ear that helps protect against noise-induced hearing loss. The system, which mirrors the body's fight-or-flight response, works at lower intensity sounds than previously thought.
Red and pink coral are in steep decline due to overharvesting; governments failed to grant trade protection despite scientific evidence. Conservationists urge the jewelry and design industries to act where governments have failed.
A recent study published in Learning and Instruction found that home literacy environments and motivation play a significant role in predicting children's initial literacy skills, which ultimately affect their future reading ability. Reading to kids regularly is essential for English-speaking children to acquire language skills.
A University of Oregon team has isolated an independent channel in the brain's auditory cortex that deals specifically with shutting off sound processing at appropriate times. This finding supports an emerging theory that a separate set of synapses is responsible for both processing sounds and their disappearance.
Researchers at UC's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning have developed an online toolkit to help educators assist children with dyslexia. The 'Reading by Design' project uses a multisensory approach to increase reading and retention abilities for children aged 9-11 with dyslexia.
Researchers found that number-sound effects on price magnitude perceptions occur when consumers mentally rehearse sale prices, and can be influenced by phonemes in different languages. Additionally, participants perceived smaller discounts as larger when prices were marked down to specific numbers with distinct sounds.
A new study from North Carolina State University finds that a 360-degree review system can effectively evaluate judges while maintaining their independence. The system, used in six model states, provides both subjective feedback and objective data to identify inefficiencies and questionable legal reasoning.
Researchers at UC San Diego's Englekirk Structural Engineering Center conducted comprehensive shake tests on semi-gravity reinforced concrete cantilever walls. The project aims to improve the seismic design of California's thousands of miles of retaining walls, ensuring safer transportation systems.
A University of British Columbia study found that air puffs directed at the skin can bias perception of spoken syllables, causing mishearing. The researchers suggest that tactile information plays a significant role in speech perception, similar to how our brain processes visual cues.
Researchers found that sounds presented during naps could guide rehearsal of specific information, strengthening spatial memories. The study suggests that deep sleep is a key time for memory processing, challenging the idea that memories are only processed during REM sleep.
Researchers at UAB used fMRI to analyze the brain's response to surprising sounds, finding activity in the frontal lobe controls emotional expression. The study aims to develop biological markers using fMRI that can help identify and treat PTSD sufferers.
Scientists have identified a new type of cell in the inner ear that carries sound signals to the brain, responding only to extremely loud sounds. The discovery sheds light on how the human ear processes sound and may have implications for understanding hearing loss.
Researchers used former Colombian guerrillas to study brain structure changes after learning to read. They found higher grey matter density in left hemisphere areas responsible for letter recognition and increased white matter connections, particularly with the angular gyrus.
The pilot demonstration evaluated radiation detection sensors and protocols for small vessel maritime environment. Small vessels, including recreational boats and commercial vessels, are screened for radiological materials using portable hand-held sensors and boat-mounted systems.
A Northwestern University study finds that musicians can better understand speech in noise due to improved auditory processing skills. The research suggests musical training could be beneficial for individuals with hearing or reading difficulties, particularly older adults and poor readers.
Researchers created a mathematical model that mimics brain mechanisms for speech recognition, recognizing individual sounds and syllables, even in sped-up speech sequences. The model's success indicates that it could represent brain processes, providing new approaches for artificial speech recognition.
A Canadian study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that sounds and images share a similar neural code in the human brain. Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) to examine how people distinguish between different types of sounds, such as speech and music, or different images. ...
Researchers argue that development involves a complex system in which genes and environmental factors constantly interact. They support evolution but reject simplistic notions of innate traits and behaviors. Instead, they propose a developmental systems theory that acknowledges the interplay between genes and environment.
A new Northwestern University study found that a child's brain has trouble differentiating key sounds in noisy classrooms, leading to reading difficulties. The research suggests that auditory training and reducing background noise can help improve reading skills in poor readers.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that the left inferior frontal sulcus brain area processes both phonetic sounds and decision-making tasks. The findings suggest that this region of the brain is a shared resource used for categorizing language and non-language items.
A team of scientists from Oregon State University and NOAA has documented the presence of endangered North Atlantic right whales in an area off Greenland, contrary to previous belief. The discovery highlights the importance of identifying key habitats for these fragile species as shipping lanes expand.
Two-year-olds with autism lack selective attention to human movements, instead focusing on physically synchronous sounds and motion. Researchers tracked eye movements of children with and without autism while watching cartoon animations, revealing a key difference in how they process social cues.
A two-part radio project funded by NSF explores groundbreaking research and pioneers in STEM fields, aiming to increase girls and women in science. The series features stories from middle school-age girls about their favorite women in STEM and is recognized for its impact on science education for girls and women
A study published in Current Biology found that people with dyslexia have a different brain activation pattern when integrating letters with speech sounds. This neural deficit may distinguish poor from good readers and offer a promising link to phonology processing difficulties.
A study published in the Journal of Labor Economics found that immigrants to Sweden who change their foreign-sounding names experience an increase in earnings, with African, Asian, and Slavic immigrants seeing a 141% rise. The study suggests that name changes improve job interview chances and employment probabilities.
The Sea Grant programs have awarded nearly $820,000 in grants to study the ecological health of Long Island Sound, focusing on hypoxia, red tide blooms, and climate change. The research will provide valuable information to resource managers to solve these environmental challenges.
A study by Northwestern University researchers suggests that musical training enhances an individual's ability to recognize emotion in sound. Musicians were found to have finely tuned auditory systems and more efficiently process the complex part of the sound carrying emotional elements.
Researchers find that stretching facial skin during speech affects perceived sound, linking production and perception. The study contributes to understanding the relationship between speech perception and production.
A Texas A&M University professor has confirmed his long-held theory that chemicals used on Stradivarius and Guarneri violins contribute to their distinctive sound. The study found the presence of borax, fluorides, chromium, and iron salts in the wood, suggesting a deliberate chemical treatment by violin makers.
A global team of researchers has discovered an alteration in the ear's nAChR protein that contributes to protecting against permanent hearing loss by limiting sound. The study found that genetically altered mice with improved sound-blocking ability suffered less permanent hearing damage when exposed to loud sounds.
A study by Barkhuysen found that auditory and visual cues together are more effective than separate messages in conveying meaning. Facial expressions also play a crucial role in communication, as seen in the case of Margaret Thatcher who gave subtle signals when finishing speaking to avoid interruptions.
Researchers discovered a hybrid dove species in Uganda with genes from both parental species, showing functional reproduction. The hybrids' coos are effective in attracting females and defending territories, suggesting they may continue to survive and multiply.
Researchers discovered that worm grunters inadvertently imitate mole sounds, driving earthworms to the surface. The technique, practiced in the southeastern US, has been linked to an innate reaction in worms to escape moles.
Researchers used fMRI scans to study how listeners' brains predict speaker's words before hearing the final sound. The team found that the brain considers multiple possible words with similar sounds and meanings before settling on the correct word.
The US Medical Licensing Examination board has introduced an audio portion to its medical licensing exam, requiring students to identify heart murmurs and abnormal heart sounds. The skill level required is much higher than traditional curriculum, leading to increased dependence on expensive tests.
Researchers identify a type of synesthesia in which individuals hear sounds when they see things move or flash, suggesting an enhanced form of visual processing. The four synesthetes outperformed nonsynesthetes on a test involving rhythmic patterns of flashes and beats.
Research suggests that alliteration improves memory for both content and thematic aspects of literature. Participants who read works with similar alliterative sounds performed better in memory recall than those who read without or with different sounds.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that loud music in bars increases drinking behavior. The research, conducted by Nicolas Guéguen and his colleagues, discovered that high sound levels led to increased drinking within a shorter time frame.
MED-EL's new MAESTRO system demonstrates remarkable improvements in music enjoyment, with 91% of clinical investigation subjects reporting that music sounds pleasant with their cochlear implant. The FineHearing technology also provides statistically significant improvements in hearing in noisy environments.
Researchers from Leiden University Medical Center used CT scans to compare wood densities of classical and modern violins. The results suggest that the homogeneity in wood density may explain the superior sound production of Cremonese violins.
Researchers at the University of Alberta found that sprinters closest to the starter pistol had significantly lower reaction times than those farther away. The study suggests that procedures used in Olympic sprint events may give runners closer to the starter an advantage.
Poor readers achieved brain activation levels seen in skilled readers after 100 hours of extra training. Remedial instruction increased the struggling readers' activation to near normal levels, changing the way their brains activated when comprehending written sentences.
Researchers found that wanting what you have contributes to happiness, but only up to a point. Having what you want also brings happiness, but in moderation. The key to true happiness lies in appreciating the possessions you already own and managing desires for more.
Researchers from Florida State University, Yale University, and Princeton University developed a new theory that analyzes music using geometry. The 'geometrical music theory' tool helps composers explore uncharted possibilities and musicians may be trained differently. It represents a culmination of the marriage between music and math.
A new patient charter aims to promote better decision-making and more patient-centered care by providing consumers with meaningful information about quality and cost. The agreement brings together consumer groups, health insurers, and physician organizations, aiming to improve the quality of care for patients in the US.
Researchers at Stanford University have created nanoscale drums that can resonate in the same way, despite having different shapes. This discovery has implications for spectroscopy and may lead to new designs for computer chip circuits.
Scientists have discovered that Broca's region in the brain plays a crucial role in interpreting speech by constructing unique interpretations of spoken words. This mechanism allows humans to hear new sounds when conflicting verbal and visual signals are present.