Articles tagged with Sound
Conscious perception of sound generates specific neuronal assemblies in the brain, differing from spontaneous brain activity. Under anesthesia, similar assemblies are present but lack sound-specificity, highlighting the importance of cortical creativity in sensory processing.
Researchers at OHSU have revealed the structure of the key part of the inner ear responsible for hearing, a long-standing mystery. The discovery could lead to new treatments for hearing impairments affecting over 460 million people worldwide.
Scientists discovered a novel neural mechanism that accompanies unconsciousness, masking sensory inputs with spontaneous activity. The auditory cortex's response to sounds is indistinguishable from its own internal activity under anesthesia.
Researchers used directional hydrophones to track blue whale movements, revealing they respond to changes in the wind. The whales seek out cooler water plumes where krill are abundant, finding a crucial source of food.
Researchers found that infants differentiate sounds based on neighboring sounds and vowel durations. Their study suggests that babies can learn the speech contrasts of their language through naturalistic speech data.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that brain regions responding to touch also respond to specific sounds associated with touching objects. This connection may help process sensory information more efficiently and has implications for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, or anxiety.
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.
A study published in Molecular Therapy — Methods & Clinical Development shows that delivering the protein EPS8 via gene therapy can rescue malfunctioning inner ear hair cells that transduce sound. In mice affected by recessive deafness, EPS8 increases stereocilia length and restores hair cell function.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics found that our brain is a prediction machine continuously making predictions on multiple levels. They analyzed brain activity while people listened to Hemingway or Sherlock Holmes stories and text, finding the brain response was stronger when words were unexpected in context.
The new AI system uses associative learning to detect similarities in datasets, reducing processing time and computational cost. By leveraging optical parallel processing and light signals, the system can identify patterns and associations more efficiently than conventional machine learning algorithms.
Researchers discovered that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) reduces the stiffness of the gating spring, decreasing channel sensitivity. This provides an opportunity to develop new drugs preserving auditory sensitivity from damage.
A new study found that individual details of a memory are parsed and stored elsewhere, in the prefrontal cortex. This separation ensures that exposure to any cue is sufficient to activate the prefrontal cortex for recall of the whole memory.
Researchers have created a biodegradable seaweed-derived film that effectively absorbs sounds in the range of human voices, traffic, and music. The agar-based composite films outperform traditional acoustic foams in terms of sound-absorbing qualities.
Researchers found that frog-eating bats could recognize ringtones indicating a food reward up to four years later. The bats learned to associate specific tones with rewards and were able to recall these associations even after long periods of time.
The ClearBuds earbuds use a novel microphone system and real-time machine-learning to enhance the speaker's voice and reduce background noise. They achieved better performance than Apple AirPods Pro in signal-to-distortion ratio tests.
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...
A new camera system developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers can reconstruct sound vibrations with extraordinary accuracy, capturing isolated audio without inference or a microphone. The dual-shutter vibration-sensing system uses two cameras and a laser to detect high-speed, low-amplitude surface vibrations.
Researchers found that frog-eating bats trained to associate a phone ringtone with a tasty treat could remember what they learned for up to four years in the wild. The study, led by May Dixon at Ohio State University, used 49 bats and introduced three other ringtones without food rewards.
Researchers used mathematical modeling to identify effective solutions, including strategically placed berms. A civil conversation between the source of the noise and the receiver is also crucial in finding an agreeable outcome.
A recent study published in Endocrinology found that exposure to a scream sound may lead to diminished ovarian reserve and decreased fertility in female rats. The researchers discovered that the scream sound reduced estrogen and Anti-Mullerian hormone levels, as well as the number and quality of eggs, resulting in smaller litters.
The study analyzed over 40,000 words from English texts and found that monosyllabic Middle English words predominantly had long vowels, which were more easily processed by the brain. This suggests that our brains are wired to learn and prefer frequent sound patterns, leading to gradual language changes.
Researchers found that fruit bats use echolocation during the day despite having excellent vision, suggesting a combination of both senses for enhanced navigation. This study highlights the importance of integrating different senses, like humans using visual and auditory information when crossing streets.
The study reveals the sing saw uses a surprising effect to create its distinct tone: when curved into an S-shape, energy vibrates in a confined area producing a clear, long-lasting sound. This principle can be applied to design high-quality resonators for various applications.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed an algorithm that generates whisper-quiet sounds to block smart devices from spying on users. The system works by predicting the characteristics of spoken language and generating a signal that can disrupt automatic speech recognition models.
A team of researchers from Delft University of Technology has captured the sound of a single bacterium using a graphene membrane. The graphene drum detected tiny oscillations caused by the bacteria's flagella, which can be converted into a 'soundtrack' and listened to. This technology has enormous implications for detecting antibiotic ...
A new study reveals that greater left-brain asymmetry is related to both better and average performance on reading ability tests, depending on the analysis method used. The findings support two opposing theories of language processing, suggesting a complex relationship between brain structure and speech sound processing.
Researchers used AI to detect dialects in zebra finch songs, showing they play a key role in mate choice. Females prefer males who sing the same dialect as their parents, indicating cultural trait importance over physical appearance.
Researchers found that stimulating a specific area of the auditory cortex improved speech perception in an epilepsy patient, allowing them to decipher spoken sentences with clarity. The study used invasive brain stimulation to enhance speech detection over background noise.
A Peruvian trial of underwater sound devices called pingers reduced bycatch of dolphins by 83%, but failed to deter humpback whales. The study found that lower-frequency pingers may be needed to address whale interactions.
A new study found that people's pronunciation of certain words changes after hearing a southern-accented talker, even if they didn't hear the actual sound. Participants who had never lived in the U.S. south still converged on a southern-like pronunciation, suggesting that expectations about accents shape our speech.
Researchers discovered a population of neurons in the auditory cortex that responds specifically to singing, but not speech or instrumental music. The study uses electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings to gain higher-resolution data, revealing fine-grained segregation of function within the auditory cortex.
Researchers at RMIT University used high-frequency sound waves to turn stem cells into bone cells, overcoming challenges in mass production and pain associated with extraction. The innovative treatment is faster, simpler, and more efficient than existing methods.
Researchers at the University of Illinois used sonification to analyze data and teach protein folding, leading to a new discovery about protein folding mechanisms. Musicians collaborated with chemists to create audio-mapped visualizations that complemented traditional views, increasing intuition for experts.
A recent study reveals that narwhals are highly affected by noise pollution from ships and seismic airgun pulses, triggering stress and altering their behavior. Researchers hope that better management of noise pollution will protect these unique Arctic animals.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have discovered a new type of sound wave that vibrates transversely and carries both spin and orbital angular momentum like light. This finding provides new degrees of freedom for sound manipulations, enabling unprecedented acoustic communications and sensing capabilities.
A new study from Pusan National University suggests that phonological awareness (PA) and phonics instruction can significantly improve the reading skills of English language learners. The meta-analysis of 46 studies found a moderate effect of PA and phonics on word reading, but a larger impact on pseudo-word reading.
A study by Brynn Kimber and team reveals killer whales spending more time in the Arctic due to reduced sea ice, posing new threats to prey species. The warmer climate is altering the predators' hunting patterns, leading to increased risks for endangered bowhead whales.
People with mild dementia struggle to understand speech in both quiet and acoustically challenging situations. Effective communication strategies include speaking clearly and slowly, reducing background noise, and providing contextual information.
Converting empty offices into podcast studios poses unique acoustic challenges. Experts recommend optimizing space for better sound quality, using minimal absorptive treatments and selecting suitable microphones. Aesthetically pleasing room finishes are also crucial for visually appealing recording spaces.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis and the University of Texas at Dallas found that listeners can reliably identify the gender of individual children as young as 5. They also discovered that identification of gender must take place jointly with the identification of age and likely physical size.
Researchers from Wellesley College discovered that honey bees (Apis cerana) produce unique sounds, including 'antipredator pipes', to warn fellow bees of giant hornet threats. These signals result in increased bee activity and defense actions against the attackers.
Researchers used sound processing to examine neural synchrony in comatose patients. They found that higher neural synchrony was predictive of a favorable outcome, with indistinguishable levels from healthy controls. The study also revealed surprising neural complexity, with reduced complexity in survivors compared to non-survivors.
Researchers at the University of York developed new sound design techniques to enhance film experiences for visually impaired audiences. The methods use sound effects, 3D sound, and first-person narration to create a more inclusive cinematic experience.
Researchers from Harvard University and Carnegie Mellon University found that matching the locations of faces with speech sounds significantly improves understanding of speech, especially in noisy areas. Spatial alignment is more important when background noise is louder.
Researchers at McMaster University have found a simple tweak in medical device tones can significantly lower annoyance caused by alarms. The study suggests changing the amplitude envelope of existing sounds to make them sound more musical, without harming efficacy or affecting patient recovery.
Researchers Boevé and Giot translated insect defense chemicals into sounds, measuring human reactions. The study found that the responses by ants and humans are correlated, indicating that sonification can approximate real-world predator-prey interactions.
Researchers found that certain moth species' wingtips reflect sound strongly, distracting bats and saving the moths' lives. The unique structures also evolved to act as hemispheric and corner retroreflectors, reflecting sound back to its point of origin.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed built-in resonators that can be cut into walls or vehicle material to suppress vibrations and reduce noise. The design has potential applications in soundproofing walls and building airplane frames that minimize sound intrusion.
Researchers studied dairy cow behavior by making them walk in a straight line to identify optimal gaits. The study provided valuable insights into kinematic characteristics of normal gait, enabling the development of more efficient breeding programs.
Researchers found that rhythm perception relies on two separate decisions: grouping and prominence, which are mutually informative. These decisions lead to our rhythmic intuitions, suggesting that speech processing involves complex inferences.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a shape-memory alloy filler that can be inserted into airplane wings to reduce noise during landing. The material can deploy itself into the perfect position, eliminating air circulation and jarring sounds.
Scientists have developed a pioneering material that can turn plastic sheets into powerful noise-cancelling panels, weighing four to six times less than traditional solutions. The technology is set to be trialled in hospitals and other noisy locations to reduce stress caused by excessive noise.
Researchers found that playing broadband sounds during the onset of congenital hearing loss preserved auditory processing of time-related sound features. The intervention also prevented hair cells from dying and maintained sound processing function in brainstems, cochleas, and midbrains.
A study by Braxton Boren suggests that prolonged pandemic lockdowns and noise in multiunit housing contribute to increased social tension and isolation. Incorporating virtual reality and spatial audio may help mitigate these effects, improving overall well-being.
Researchers have developed a system using an array of microphones and advanced processing techniques that can detect impulsive sounds such as screams on UAVs. The technology has the potential to save lives by helping emergency crews locate survivors in disaster scenarios.
The study found that tactile stimuli are detected faster when sound approaches from any direction, but not when it recedes. This suggests that peripersonal representations exist with approaching sound, regardless of direction, implying a nearly circular shape around the body's trunk.
Researchers from Alfred Wegener Institute found that fin whales regularly inhabit waters surrounding Elephant Island, indicating a notable achievement in the fin whale population's recovery. The study suggests that protecting this habitat is crucial due to frequent visits by cruise ships and extensive krill fishing.
A new study published in Cognitive Science found that parents' use of iconic words improves children's ability to learn new words, especially when introducing novel names. This is because iconicity aids attention to word meaning by exploiting similarities between sound and meaning.
An international research team found a lower pitched voice is associated with individuals who are more dominant, extrovert, and higher in sociosexuality, regardless of gender. The study used objective digital measures to analyze the pitch of over 2,000 participants' voices.
Researchers developed an uncrackable combination of invisible ink and artificial intelligence to encrypt messages securely. Using a carbon nanoparticle-based invisible ink and AI algorithms, they achieved 100% accurate decryption with UV light exposure.