Energy: Alternative Fuels Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Owl wing design reduces aircraft, wind turbine noise pollution      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers used the characteristics of owl wings to inform airfoil design and significantly reduce trailing-edge noise. The team used noise calculation and analysis software to conduct a series of detailed theoretical studies of simplified airfoils with characteristics reminiscent of owl wings. They applied their findings to suppress the noise of rotating machinery. Improving the flow conditions around the trailing edge and optimizing the shape of the edge suppressed the noise.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

The first topological acoustic transistor      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers have designed and simulated the first topological acoustic transistors -- with sound waves instead of electrons -- and proposed a connection architecture to form a universal logic gate that can switch the flow of sound on and off.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

New research sheds light on how ultrasound could be used to treat psychiatric disorders      (via sciencedaily.com) 

A new study has shown how the brain gives credit to events, along with how transcranial ultrasound (TUS) can disrupt this process. While currently developed in an animal model, this line of research and the use of TUS could one day be applied to clinical research to tackle conditions such as addiction.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Gunfire or plastic bag popping? Trained computer can tell the difference      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Engineering researchers have developed a gunshot detection algorithm and classification model that can discern similar sounds such as gunfire or a plastic bag popping. Discerning between a dangerous audio event like a gun firing and a non-life-threatening event, such as a plastic bag bursting, can mean the difference between life and death. Additionally, it also can determine whether or not to deploy public safety workers. Humans, as well as computers, often confuse the sounds of a plastic bag popping and real gunshot sounds.

Computer Science: Encryption Engineering: Biometric
Published

Real-world study shows the potential of gait authentication to enhance smartphone security      (via sciencedaily.com) 

A study showed that -- within an appropriate framework -- gait recognition could be a viable technique for protecting individuals and their data from potential crime.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing boosts effectiveness of ultrasound cancer therapy      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Sonodynamic therapy uses ultrasound in combination with drugs to release harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the site of a tumor. However, the treatment isn't very effective because cancer cells can activate antioxidant defense systems to counteract it. Now, researchers have breached these defenses with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, allowing sonodynamic therapy to effectively shrink tumors in a mouse model of liver cancer.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Physicists discovered special transverse sound wave      (via sciencedaily.com) 

A research team has discovered a new type of sound wave: the airborne sound wave vibrates transversely and carries both spin and orbital angular momentum like light does. The findings shattered scientists' previous beliefs about the sound wave, opening an avenue to the development of novel applications in acoustic communications, acoustic sensing and imaging.

Engineering: Biometric
Published

Bulletproof fingerprint technology takes images in the round      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Experts have developed a unique method for retrieving high resolution images of fingermarks from curved objects like bullet casings that offers greater detail and accuracy than traditional forensic methods.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

A personalized exosuit for real-world walking      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers have developed a new approach in which robotic exosuit assistance can be calibrated to an individual and adapt to a variety of real-world walking tasks in a matter of seconds. The bioinspired system uses ultrasound measurements of muscle dynamics to develop a personalized and activity-specific assistance profile for users of the exosuit.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Adding sound to quantum simulations      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Aiming to emulate the quantum characteristics of materials more realistically, researchers have figured out a way to create a lattice of light and atoms that can vibrate -- bringing sound to an otherwise silent experiment.

Computer Science: Encryption Engineering: Biometric
Published

Securing data transfers with relativity      (via sciencedaily.com) 

To counter hacking, researchers have developed a new system based on the concept of 'zero-knowledge proofs', the security of which is based on the physical principle of relativity: information cannot travel faster than the speed of light. Thus, one of the fundamental principles of modern physics allows for secure data transfer.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Noninvasive imaging strategy detects dangerous blood clots in the body      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Investigators have developed and tested a targeted contrast agent that can detect blood clots in the hearts of patients with atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heartbeat. The strategy could be used to find clots in other parts of the body as well, such as in vessels that, when blocked, can lead to stroke.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Flexible device could treat hearing loss without batteries      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Some people are born with hearing loss, while others acquire it with age, infections or long-term noise exposures. In many instances, the tiny hairs in the inner ear's cochlea that allow the brain to recognize electrical pulses as sound are damaged. As a step toward an advanced artificial cochlea, researchers report a conductive membrane, which translated sound waves into matching electrical signals when implanted inside a model ear, without requiring external power.

Engineering: Biometric
Published

Solid, liquid, or gas? Technique quickly identifies physical state of tissues and tumors      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers report that the way a tissue's cells are arranged can serve as a fingerprint for the tissue's 'phase' -- whether it is more like a solid, liquid, or gas. For example, tumors that are more solid may be relatively stable, whereas more fluid-like growths could be more prone to mutate and metastasize.

Engineering: Biometric
Published

Many US adults worry about facial image data in healthcare settings      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Uses of facial images and facial recognition technologies -- to unlock a phone or in airport security -- are becoming increasingly common in everyday life. But how do people feel about using such data in healthcare and biomedical research?

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

The nanophotonics orchestra presents: Twisting to the light of nanoparticles      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Physics researchers discover a new physical effect relating to the interactions between light and twisted materials -- an effect that is likely to have implications for emerging new nanotechnologies in communications, nanorobotics and ultra-thin optical components.

Energy: Alternative Fuels Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Making musical performances safer in the era of COVID-19      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers have studied aerosol production from playing wind instruments, singing and acting, allowing them to develop recommendations to minimize COVID transmission.

Engineering: Biometric
Published

New DNA-based chip can be programmed to solve complex math problems      (via sciencedaily.com) 

A novel chip automates the reaction cascades occurring between molecules inside DNA to carry out complex mathematical calculations.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Algorithm finds personalized sound zones in cars for driver, passengers      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers outline an algorithm that adapts personalized sound zones within a car to changes in seat position, allowing riders to listen to their own audio without headphones and interruption.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Acoustic illusions      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers have devised an ingenious method of using acoustics to conceal and simulate objects.