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Towards better understanding of railway ballast

Researchers from CNRS and INSA Strasbourg propose a new mechanism to explain lower-than-predicted vibrations near tracks as train speed increases. They show that a large part of energy is trapped in the heterogeneous ballast layer, leading to accelerated degradation.

SourceCNRS·JournalComputational Mechanics·DateNov 22, 2017

Wearables to boost security of voice-based log-in

Researchers developed a wearable device called VAuth that creates a unique and secure signature using speech-induced vibrations on the user's body. The technology has achieved a 97-percent detection accuracy and successfully thwarts various practical attacks, making it a promising solution to enhance voice authentication security.

Energy decay in graphene resonators

A recent study by ICFO researchers found a hybridization effect at high energies that could manipulate vibrational states and engineer hybrid states with mechanical modes. This discovery has the potential to open up new possibilities for manipulating vibrational states, studying collective motion of highly tunable systems.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 16, 2017

Bubble group dancing

Researchers at Zhejiang University discovered a new type of bubbling mechanism that generates periodic and aperiodic bubbles with unique properties. This phenomenon has significant implications for industries such as heat transfer enhancement, mass transfer, and bubble motion control.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 11, 2017

Lego figures don't stand a chance against time reversal

Physicists at Brigham Young University have developed an acoustic technique called time reversal that uses targeted sound vibrations to knock over Lego figures. This technology has far-reaching implications for fields like private communication, targeted noise cancelation, and even medical treatments such as destroying kidney stones.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateApr 5, 2017

Phonon nanoengineering: Vibrations of nanoislands dissipate heat more effectively

Scientists discovered a new type of vibration in europium silicide nanoislands that dissipates heat more effectively. The study used nuclear inelastic scattering to measure the energy spectrum of atomic vibrations and found that the vibrations of atoms in the crystal lattice can be tailored for specific thermal properties.

A better way to swallow

A Pittsburgh engineer has received a $549,139 NSF CAREER Award to create a new screening method for swallowing disorders. The technology uses high-resolution vibration and sound recordings to diagnose dysphagia, allowing doctors to identify silent aspirators more accurately.

The sound of quantum vacuum

The study reveals strong correlations between laser-induced light fluctuations and mechanical motion, showcasing the strange laws of quantum mechanics. By using a phononic crystal to confine vibrations, the researchers achieved ultra-precision measurements, overcoming fundamental quantum limits.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2016

Learning Morse code without trying

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a system that teaches people Morse code in four hours using vibrations felt near the ear. Participants were 94% accurate keying a sentence and 98% accurate writing codes for every letter, even while playing games and feeling the taps without paying attention.

Shaking up surgery

Researchers from Hiroshima University have developed a small vibrating device that attaches to surgical tools, enhancing surgeons' sensitivity to different shapes and textures. The PZT Actuator boosts the sensation to a noticeable level, allowing doctors to detect tissue texture and identify solid tumors with greater accuracy.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalIEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics·DateAug 1, 2016

Mystery solved: The case of the slipping finger

Haptics researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that ultrasonic vibrations cause fingers to bounce on touchscreens, reducing friction. This phenomenon is caused by the air trapped between the finger and screen compressing and acting like a spring, allowing the finger to fall onto a cushion of air instead of the screen.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2016

Lattice structure absorbs vibrations

A new three-dimensional lattice structure developed by ETH scientists can absorb a wide range of vibrations, including those in the audible range. This design allows for improved noise reduction and energy efficiency in machines, vehicles, and aircraft.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2016

Building a Moebius strip of good vibrations

Researchers at Yale University have created a Moebius strip-like structure by manipulating the shape of connected vibrating springs, demonstrating a new way to control waves. The experiment showcases an extension to the adiabatic theorem, which predicts a robust method for wave manipulation.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2016

Sub-sensory vibratory noise augments postural control in older adults

Researchers found that sub-sensory vibratory noise delivered to the foot sole of older adults significantly augmented postural control complexity, leading to improved mobility and reduced TUG times. This study highlights the potential benefits of vibratory stimulation for enhancing physical function in older adults.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateJul 7, 2016

Fiddler crabs' 'Morse code' attracts Mrs. Right

Male fiddler crabs produce female-luring vibrations in their burrows, serving as a type of 'Morse code' that females decipher to learn about suitors. The length and interval of pulses convey information on male characteristics, influencing female decision-making during mating.