Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Ultrasound technique predicts hip dysplasia in infants      (via sciencedaily.com) 

A technique that uses ultrasound images to determine the depth and shape of the hip socket can accurately predict which infants with hip dysplasia will develop normal hip structure and which remain dysplastic, according to a new study. Researchers said statistical shape modeling improves on existing techniques and could spare many infants from unnecessary treatment.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

When graphene speaks, scientists can now listen      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Brothers working in a lab discover that sound can be used to analyze the properties of laser-induced graphene in real time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Testing 1-2: New laser-based microphone calibration measures up      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers have conducted the first demonstration of a faster and more accurate way to calibrate certain kinds of microphones. The technique, which uses lasers to measure the velocity at which a microphone's diaphragm vibrates, performs well enough to overtake one of the main calibration methods used.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Compact speaker systems direct sound efficiently      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers have developed three designs for compact speaker systems that control the direction of sound more efficiently than previous models. For each speaker, the scientists were able to manipulate the timing and strength of the outgoing sound waves. They combined multiple speakers together into an array and used the constructive and destructive interference of sound waves to their advantage.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Researchers developing new cancer treatments with high-intensity focused ultrasound      (via sciencedaily.com) 

While doctors have used low-intensity ultrasound as a medical imaging tool since the 1950s, experts are now using and extending models that help capture how high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can work on a cellular level.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Wind turbine night noise      (via sciencedaily.com) 

With wind generation one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sectors in the world, experts are using machine learning and other signal processing techniques to characterize annoying noise features from wind farms. Two new publications from the ongoing Wind Farm Noise Study take another step towards improving wind turbine noise assessment methods, guidelines and wind turbine design to make wind energy more acceptable to surrounding communities.