Articles tagged with Sound
Hospital noise levels have grown steadily over the past five decades, exceeding World Health Organization guidelines, with human speech frequency range contributing to communication difficulties. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found modest reductions by introducing hands-free personal communicators in patient areas.
Research suggests that babies are more flexible in perceiving musical rhythms than adults, which may be due to their developing brains being less biased by cultural norms. By 12 months old, however, infants' abilities to detect rhythmic patterns in foreign music decrease significantly.
Researchers found that adults can improve their recognition of speech sounds in foreign languages through training. The study showed a significant improvement in recognition accuracy after a 10-session training course.
A team of Johns Hopkins engineering undergraduates designed a system that uses sound emitters in the ball and on the backboard to enable blind people to play basketball. The system, tested by Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, allows players to locate their shooting target through low pulse tones and higher continuous tones.
Researchers found a previously unknown safety circuit in the brain that contributes to feelings of security and well-being, contradicting previous theories that linked anxiety disorders only to fear. The discovery may lead to new treatments targeting sense of safety and security.
Linguist Valteir Martins reconstructs the sound structure and lexicon of Proto-East-Maku, an ancient language of the Brazilian Maku people. The language is genetically related to the Arawak languages, challenging earlier claims that the Maku Indians were the first inhabitants of the Amazon region.
The Smart Sensor Enabled Neural Threat Recognition and Identification (SENTRI) system uses software developed by Dr. Ted Berger to recognize suspicious noises. It can distinguish between gun fire and other noises, as well as small-arms fire from heavy weapons.
As we age, our brain's ability to filter out background noise and sort information affects our hearing. Researchers have found a 'feedback' problem in the brain that diminishes our ability to hear, particularly in older adults who experience age-related hearing loss.
A new strand of research applies the principle of self-organization to linguistics, suggesting that languages follow a pattern of tendencies rather than universal grammar. The study involves computer simulations where computers develop a common vocabulary and recognize sounds, eventually creating homophones in context.
The audio file captures the tone of Huygens' antenna as it changes frequency in response to signal strength fluctuations during descent. The tone shifts dramatically at 43 seconds, indicating the probe's touchdown on Titan's surface.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that the brain processes Silbo Gomero, a unique whistle language used by Spanish shepherds, similarly to how it deciphers spoken languages. The researchers found that left hemisphere language regions were uniquely adapted for communicative purposes, independent of the modality of signal.
Studies show infants and young children are drawn to sounds, while older children also prioritize sound, especially when familiar objects are present. Adults can process both sounds and visuals simultaneously but tend to favor visual information.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that the brain can be retrained to process sound in an alternative way, allowing for improved hearing sensitivity. This new system enables neurons to selectively fire at specific volume levels, making it more responsive to subtle changes in loudness.
Professor Daphne Maurer's research found that infants perceive sounds as colors and associate certain feelings with tastes. As individuals develop, these connections are often inhibited, leading people with synesthesia to experience the world differently.
Researchers have identified a specific gene, EN2, that contributes to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Variations in this gene may affect brain development and behavior. The study also found changes in neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine and serotonin, which may disrupt communication between cells.
A UCLA/UA study reveals that the ear plays a crucial role in processing auditory signals, influencing speech and language development. The left ear provides extra amplification for tones like music, while the right ear enhances rapid sounds like speech.
A recent study by Professor Alex Haslam and Dr. Michelle Ryan found that men's perceptions of the 'glass cliff' effect, where women take riskier positions, are influenced by pride and prejudice. Women tend to believe they are more suited for crisis management and leadership roles, while men view them as expendable.
A new study published in Psychological Review suggests that teaching phonics to young children is essential for developing skilled reading skills. The research model, designed by Mark Seidenberg and Michael Harm, learns to read like children and demonstrates the importance of combining phonics with visual methods.
A new method of recording sound uses multiple microphones spaced around a head-sized ball to capture cues for direction, distance and movement. The system reproduces what the listener would hear in reality, including ambient sounds and echoes in different spaces.
Researchers found evidence of ancient seismic stresses still at work in Washington state's Puget Sound region, including surface folds and deformation of the Seattle uplift. The study provides greater understanding of the region's tectonic stresses and geological processes.
Researchers found that the piriform cortex was activated when subjects saw objects previously associated with odors, confirming models of memory recall. The hippocampus draws on these sensory components to reconstruct rich memories.
Studies show humans can recognize word boundaries in complex languages through statistical analysis of sound patterns. A new test reveals people can distinguish regularity in consonant relationships and use them to divide sounds into words with great accuracy.
Research reveals that specialized teaching can give dyslexic brains a 'jump start,' activating key areas used by normal readers. Training the meaning word form and sounds improves ability to analyze sounds and words in specific brain regions.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed an instructional intervention that helps dyslexic children use the same brain areas as normal readers, leading to better reading ability. The study found improvements in both sound and visual form coding skills, as well as cross-language coding.
A team of Tufts researchers analyzed 10 trumpets, including five cryogenically treated ones, and found no improvement in sound quality. The study suggests that differences from player to player and instrument overshadow any changes caused by freezing the trumpet.
Researchers found that people with dyslexia integrate visual and auditory information differently than good readers, suggesting a sensory integration deficit underlying reading difficulties. This discovery could lead to a simple test for early diagnosis and more effective teaching approaches.
Research identifies specific brain areas affected in children with dyslexia, suggesting a neurological basis for reading difficulties. Effective teaching can improve reading skills by changing brain activation patterns.
Researchers mapped out circulation patterns using Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) to enhance understanding of the Bay-RIS system. The study provides detailed spatial images of circulation, showing that water predominantly enters the Bay through the East Passage and is supplied by the southeast during summer.
Research found that young children prefer and pay more attention to sounds than visual images when presented simultaneously. The study suggests that processing visual information is not difficult for children, but they have an auditory preference that helps them acquire language.
A Rutgers researcher has made a groundbreaking discovery that the brains of dyslexic children can be rewired to improve reading skills through intensive training. Dyslexia, affecting 5-10% of Americans, is characterized by difficulties in processing language.
Researchers found that infants as young as 6.5 months can recognize word boundaries by identifying sound patterns in speech. As they mature, they rely on stressed syllables to determine word ends and begin. The study provides insight into how humans acquire language.
Researchers found that 9-month-old American infants exposed to Mandarin Chinese were able to distinguish phonetic units of the language, even when exposed for less than five hours. This suggests that social interaction plays an important role in language learning and that brief exposure can have long-lasting effects.
The study found a 92% decline in risk of future Exxon Valdez-like spills after implementing risk management measures. The Prince William Sound team estimated the probability of accidents involving oil tankers and identified key risks, such as tanker collisions with fishing vessels.
Paul Dayton, a renowned marine ecologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, has received the Diving Lifetime Achievement Award for his groundbreaking research on coastal and estuarine habitats. His work, including over 500 dives in Antarctica, has significantly advanced our understanding of Antarctic undersea ecology.
The study found that household damages were not always proportional to levels of ground motion, with average damages being almost identical in high and medium ground motion zones. The majority of damage ($913 million) occurred in the medium ground motion zone, which is where nearly 60% of Puget Sound households are located.
USC researchers are testing a prototype 'e-textile' that can detect faint sounds, specifically distant vehicle movements on future battlefields. The fabric functions as a supersensitive detection array and can be deployed in various ways, such as a parachute or camouflage net.
Researchers have filled in gaps in the 250 surviving troubadour melodies with various interpretations. Professor John Haines says different influences, such as Arabic-style melodies and waltz-like rhythms, have shaped these songs over time.
A study by Larry W. Hawk Jr., Ph.D., found that paid college students showed decreased blink size and strength in response to loud noises, indicating increased attentiveness. While payment motivated better task performance, it didn't lead to significant differences in overall results.
A study found that 39 out of 147 research presentations received prominent newspaper coverage, despite being preliminary findings. The publications record for these presentations was almost identical to the overall publication rate, highlighting the need for scientists to emphasize limitations when interviewed by media.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered that single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCN) emit a loud pop and then ignite when exposed to a conventional photographic flash. This phenomenon, known as the photo-acoustic effect, has been observed for decades but not previously associated with carbon nanotubes.
Researchers aim to mimic bat echolocation using synthetic aperture sonar, allowing for more accurate detection of submarines and mines. By duplicating bats' ability to differentiate between echoes, naval sonars can identify objects separated by the width of a human hair.
Researchers at North Carolina State University challenge dominant linguistic theories of African-American English, proposing a new model based on African-based Creole language and regional dialects. Their research, conducted in Hyde County and the Appalachian Mountains, reveals similarities between black speech and African influences.
Borlaug's work in Mexico led to the development of high-yield, low-pesticide wheat, increasing crop production by 7000% in just a few decades. His efforts have since expanded to sub-Saharan Africa and India, helping small-scale farmers adopt improved agricultural techniques
A new mathematical theory developed by Vanderbilt University professors can produce more accurate digital representations of complex signals, overcoming limitations of current methods. This has significant applications in areas such as music, photography, medical imaging, astronomy, geophysics, and communications.
A new study has identified the key step in simple motor learning, which involves the reduced response to glutamate in Purkinje cells. By examining this process, researchers hope to create a mouse that can't reduce the number of glutamate receptors on its Purkinje cells and test if it affects learning.
The tobacco industry, led by Philip Morris, employed a sophisticated public relations campaign to shape scientific standards and prevent increased smoking restrictions. The 'sound science' movement was used to promote arbitrary thresholds for identifying health risk from secondhand smoke, ignoring comprehensive assessments of risk.
Researchers discovered a melodic cue that allows speakers to pause briefly without interrupting each other, increasing speaker continuation rates by up to 91% in grammatically complete sentence fragments.
Researchers found that caterpillars produce distinct sounds when encountering intruders, which helps them defend their nests and attract predators. In 87% of tests, resident caterpillars successfully repelled intruders using these acoustic signals.
Researchers are collecting data on the behavior of Puget Sound's orca whales using novel tools such as a small radio-controlled catamaran and a fish finder. The study suggests that the whales are declining due to a drop in salmon runs and increasing contamination from PCBs.
A study published in Spine found that patients with higher expectations for acupuncture or massage therapy experienced greater improvement in low back pain and function. Those with lower expectations showed only moderate improvement, highlighting the importance of considering patient expectations in treatment decisions.
Nagyvary's work has concentrated on a chemical approach to the unique Stradivarius sound, focusing on wood quality, filler, and varnish. He believes chemicals are the prominent reason why a Stradivarius has such a distinct sound, with spectroscopic tests confirming his results.
Researchers found that paying attention to a sudden sound improves ability to see visual stimuli, suggesting a stronger linkage between sight and hearing. The study provides insights into normal brain activities and may lead to better understanding of attention deficit disorder and schizophrenia.
Visitors to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center will enjoy live performances by country, rock, pop, and gospel artists while exploring rocket firings, space exhibits, and facility tours. The event also features appearances by NASA astronauts and real space flight hardware.
Researchers at University of Illinois find that brain cells respond differently to rapid sound pulses compared to slow ones. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the hearing system and could lead to more efficient building blocks for better hearing aids.
Researchers found that only two out of 32 classrooms met the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association guidelines for background noise level and reverberation time. Background noise was a significant problem in classrooms, with levels ranging from 28 to 68 decibels, and reverberations lasting between 0.2 and 1.27 seconds.
Scientists at the University of Michigan used spatial illusion to study how the brain processes sound. By analyzing neural activity in cats and humans, researchers found that the auditory systems use similar spectral characteristics to determine sound locations.
USGS scientists Mike Fisher and Art Frankel will discuss the potential effects of major quakes in Seattle using data from last year's SHIPS project. Scientists from other organizations will also describe the probabilities for a large earthquake in the Puget Sound area.
Researchers analyzing humpback whale calls with information theory claim the animals may have a hierarchical grammar. The study measured entropy in the songs, finding predictable sequences of sounds that hint at complex communication.
Dr. Joseph Nagyvary discovers that 17th and 18th century Italian violin makers used brine-soaked wood, resulting in vibrant tonal quality. His chemically treated violins are praised by international concert violinists.
Researchers found that echo-like sounds made by the inner ears of homosexual and bisexual women are weaker than those of heterosexual women, suggesting masculinization of brain structures responsible for sexual preference. The study indicates the potential value of non-invasive windows into brain development and sexual differentiation.