#ACOUSTIC RESEARCH

[retrocgads]

USA 1993

[dayaal]

Acoustic Research AR9

[stone-cold-groove]

Acoustic Research AR-3a speaker system ad. Stereo Review Magazine - January 1971.

[noosphe-re]

The energy of a sound wave in a fluid can concentrate by 12 orders of magnitude to create flashes of light that can be shorter than 50 picoseconds. A picosecond is a millionth of a millionth of a second. The flashes originate from hot spots that form inside bubbles that nucleate, expand, and crash in response to the travelling sound wave. We have observed hot spots as small as 10 nanometers and as large as 100 microns.

UCLA Putterman Research Group, Sonoluminescence: Sound Into Light

[citizen-by-trade]

Passed by a conversation in a hall and instead of ignoring like a normal person or eavesdropping like a slightly less normal person, I started mentally constructing a study on “The shape of earshot.”

Like I could set up a grid pattern, have someone reading a script at a natural speed and volume, get people to stand in various locations of that grid pattern and transcribe what they hear, judging the clarity of sound by the accuracy of the transcription, and eventually make a heat map of how intelligible someone is at various distances and directions. We could have our listeners pointed at several angles per position as well, to judge how the ear direction affects things as well. I’m even thinking about how the shape of the room might impact things. We could probably try a hallway, outdoors, and various locations in a rectangular room for a start.

Main problems with all this: 1) Apathy. I don’t care enough to conduct this study myself, nor do I think many people would care enough for this idea to get funding. 2) Applicability. There’s not a whole lot I can think of that’d be served by this information. It’s mostly general curiosity. Could be a fun science fair project with a couple buddies, but probably not groundbreaking research. 3) Resources. This would take a lot of time, and depending on how general we want our data to be, we’d need a good number of participants too, which could mean a lot of compensation money (though this definitely could work with volunteers). Also I have zero experience with research, and I don’t know any acousticians.

Overall, a fun thought exercise, but not something I can act on.

[novafire-is-thinking]

im sure you've covered this before but-

me and one of my mutuals were chatting the other day and we realized that in mtmte/ll, since it's a comic, we have no idea what the bots sound like and that cybertronians practically have no concept of gender either, soooo what if some of the male characters sound like females and vice versa? not like they'd know, theyre robots.

but hey, that's just a theory! *finger guns*

i would've made this into a whole essay but my brain is a fried oreo rn so sorry

I’ve never covered it before, but I have thought about it. Not in relation to the comics though. Just in general.

But since you mentioned the comics, here’s Alex Milne’s answer to being asked about character voice claims:

ALEX MILNE: Aghhhhhh, what’s with these questions where you make me pick only one? It’s so hard. So I’m going to pick two. I would like to see Rung appear in a show, and voiced by Brent Spiner or David Hyde Pierce. Those were the two voices I had in mind when designing him back in Ongoing. I push more towards Brent, since I’m a huge Star Trek fan, and having Mr. Data voice a character of mine would be the bee’s knees. My second pick would be Tarn, and have him voiced by Keith David. He’s the voice of Goliath from Gargoyles, and I feel he would suit Tarn perfectly. (source)

So, we at least know Rung and Tarn were created with masculine voices in mind. *shrugs*

Vocal Pitch in Humans vs. Cybertronians

In humans and most other mammals, vocal pitch is often perceived as an indicator of dominance and reproductive prowess (or lack thereof) in both males and females.

Cybertronians don’t reproduce, so only dominance is being evaluated (consciously and subconsciously) when it comes to vocal pitch.

Even though Cybertronians wouldn’t have any correlation between feminine-masculine vocal pitch and female-male, there would still remain at least one semi-predictable correlation:

Vocal Pitch and Social Status

Pitch is related to frequency. Lower-frequency sounds travel farther, and are better at traveling through materials (wood, metal, glass, etc.) because the wavelengths are longer and aren’t absorbed as easily. Meanwhile, higher frequency sounds are more reflective and don’t travel as far because they’re better absorbed by certain materials.

Lower frequency/pitch sound waves produced by things like bass drums, thunder, and even earthquakes are associated with power, and sometimes danger.

Because of this, individuals with lower-pitched voices are often subconsciously perceived as more dominant/powerful than those with higher pitched voices.

Base pitch isn’t the only factor though. The quality and intensity of overtones and undertones plays a significant part as well.

An individual with a “feminine” voice can project richer overtones and undertones than an individual with a “masculine” voice, therefore enabling that person to assert subconscious dominance over the other. However, it stands to reason that lower, “masculine” voices are more likely than “feminine” voices to naturally produce more of these low-frequency tones.

In the early days of social species like humans and Cybertronians, individuals who put out more lower-frequency tones via their voices would have been seen as more capable of surviving and helping others survive because:

They were more likely to ward off potential threats with their powerful voices.

Their voices travelled farther, and were therefore more effective for rallying and warning more members of a community of an approaching threat.

Because of the nature of sound and humanity’s relationship to it, this social-physiological connection hasn’t disappeared in modern humans, and no amount of evolution would change it for Cybertronians either because lower frequency = more powerful is somewhat of a law of nature.

As a general rule, deeper, richer voices (“masculine” or “feminine”) will always be perceived as more powerful than higher ones, and will affect social organization accordingly. Cybertronian social organization is no exception to this.

Bonus

One of my favorite examples of the correlation between low-pitch/frequency sound and power is the unsettling low-frequency sounds that the T-Rex most likely produced. (Begins at 2:30)

I have a headcanon that Cybertronians are able to produce similarly unsettling sounds, especially Soundwave. After all, sonic warfare is his thing ;)

Overall, I just love how it would make the bots more unsettlingly alien.

[spaceintruderdetector]

How a team of musicians, engineers, computer scientists, and psychologists developed computer music as an academic field and ushered in the era of digital music.

In the 1960s, a team of Stanford musicians, engineers, computer scientists, and psychologists used computing in an entirely novel way: to produce and manipulate sound and create the sonic basis of new musical compositions. This group of interdisciplinary researchers at the nascent Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA, pronounced “karma”) helped to develop computer music as an academic field, invent the technologies that underlie it, and usher in the age of digital music. In The Sound of Innovation, Andrew Nelson chronicles the history of CCRMA, tracing its origins in Stanford's Artificial Intelligence Laboratory through its present-day influence on Silicon Valley and digital music groups worldwide.

The Sound of Innovation: Stanford and the Computer Music Revolution : Nelson, Andrew J. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

[ladyblue-laragazzadelmare]

#BadOceanComics

Get ready, the aliens are among us!

These two sperm whales are acting weirdly. What Carl does have onto its head? And why George is wearing a helmet?

Well, because the aliens are among them!

Researchers use those devices, called DTAGs (better shaped in reality, as you may see below). They are equipped with different sensors, including one or more hydrophones, to record the animals' vocalizations. Basically, they are listening to them and discovering interesting facts about their biology and ecology.

This is also part of my career path, as I am shaping my experiences within the bioacoustic world of cetaceans. Of course, it's not possible to really know what they are saying each other, but within decades, researchers managed to find some categories of sounds and associates them with particular behaviours. Thanks to these devices, it has been discovered that the huge head of a sperm whales is used for sound production and how it works (Madsen, P. T. (2002). Sperm Whale Sound Production.). They produce a variety of sounds, including echolocation clicks to feed in the deep ocean, and codas for social communication.

Isn't it so fascinating? For me, this world is irresistible. I found myself always so curious and full of questions. Of course, in particular of sperm whales.

They better protect their brains with helmets, aliens are listening to them!

[skyjohn009]

Distributed Acoustic Sensing Market to Experience Significant Growth

Distributed Acoustic Sensing Market to Experience Significant Growth

Straits Research has published a comprehensive report on the global Distributed Acoustic Sensing Market, projecting a significant growth rate of 11.58% from 2024 to 2032. The market size is expected to reach USD 1,617.72 million by 2032, up from USD 673.32 million in 2024.

Market Definition

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) is a cutting-edge technology that enables real-time monitoring of acoustic signals along the entire length of a fiber optic cable. This innovative solution has far-reaching applications across various industries, including oil and gas, power and utility, transportation, security and surveillance, and environmental and infrastructure monitoring.

Request Sapmle Link:https://straitsresearch.com/report/distributed-acoustic-sensing-market/request-sample

Latest Trends

The Distributed Acoustic Sensing Market is driven by several key trends, including:

Increasing demand for real-time monitoring: The need for real-time monitoring and data analysis is on the rise, driven by the growing importance of predictive maintenance, asset optimization, and operational efficiency.

Advancements in fiber optic technology: Advances in fiber optic technology have enabled the development of more sensitive and accurate DAS systems, expanding their range of applications.

Growing adoption in the oil and gas industry: The oil and gas industry is increasingly adopting DAS technology for monitoring and optimizing well operations, reducing costs, and improving safety.

Emerging applications in smart cities and infrastructure monitoring: DAS technology is being explored for various smart city applications, including traffic management, public safety, and infrastructure monitoring.

Key Opportunities

The Distributed Acoustic Sensing Market presents several key opportunities for growth and innovation, including:

Integration with other sensing technologies: The integration of DAS with other sensing technologies, such as seismic and electromagnetic sensing, can enhance its capabilities and expand its range of applications.

Development of advanced data analytics and AI algorithms: The development of advanced data analytics and AI algorithms can help unlock the full potential of DAS technology, enabling more accurate and actionable insights.

Expansion into new markets and industries: The Distributed Acoustic Sensing Market has significant potential for growth in new markets and industries, including renewable energy, transportation, and smart cities.

Key Players

The Distributed Acoustic Sensing Market is characterized by the presence of several key players, including:

Halliburton Co.

Hifi Engineering Inc.

Silixa Ltd.

Schlumberger Limited

Banweaver

Omnisens SA

Future Fibre Technologies Ltd.

Baker Hughes Inc.

Qintiq Group PLC

Fotech Solutions Ltd.

Buy Now:https://straitsresearch.com/buy-now/distributed-acoustic-sensing-market

Market Segmentation

The Distributed Acoustic Sensing Market can be segmented into two main categories:

By Fiber Type: The market can be segmented into single-mode fiber and multimode fiber.

By Vertical: The market can be segmented into oil and gas, power and utility, transportation, security and surveillance, and environmental and infrastructure monitoring.

About Straits Research

Straits Research is a leading provider of business intelligence, specializing in research, analytics, and advisory services. Our team of experts provides in-depth insights and comprehensive reports to help businesses make informed decisions.

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Yellowjacket-Mimicking Moth: this is just a harmless moth that mimics the appearance and behavior of a yellowjacket/wasp; its disguise is so convincing that it can even fool actual wasps

This species (Myrmecopsis polistes) may be one of the most impressive wasp-mimics in the world. The moth's narrow waist, teardrop-shaped abdomen, black-and-yellow patterning, transparent wings, smooth appearance, and folded wing position all mimic the features of a wasp. Unlike an actual wasp, however, it does not have any mandibles or biting/chewing mouthparts, because it's equipped with a proboscis instead, and it has noticeably "feathery" antennae.

There are many moths that use hymenopteran mimicry (the mimicry of bees, wasps, yellowjackets, hornets, and/or bumblebees, in particular) as a way to deter predators, and those mimics are often incredibly convincing. Myrmecopsis polistes is one of the best examples, but there are several other moths that have also mastered this form of mimicry.

Above: Pseudosphex laticincta, another moth species that mimics a yellowjacket

These disguises often involve more than just a physical resemblance; in many cases, the moths also engage in behavioral and/or acoustic mimicry, meaning that they can mimic the sounds and behaviors of their hymenopteran models. In some cases, the resemblance is so convincing that it even fools actual wasps/yellowjackets.

Above: Pseudosphex laticincta

Such a detailed and intricate disguise is unusual even among mimics. Researchers believe that it developed partly as a way for the moth to trick actual wasps into treating it like one of their own. Wasps frequently prey upon moths, but they are innately non-aggressive toward their own fellow nest-mates, which are identified by sight -- so if the moth can convincingly impersonate one of those nest-mates, then it can avoid being eaten by wasps.

Above: Pseudosphex laticincta

I gave an overview of the moths that mimic bees, wasps, yellowjackets, hornets, and bumblebees in one of my previous posts, but I felt that these two species (Myrmecopsis polistes and Pseudosphex laticincta) deserved to have their own dedicated post, because these are two of the most convincing mimics I have ever seen.

Above: Pseudosphex sp.

I think that moths in general are probably the most talented mimics in the natural world. They have so many intricate, unique disguises, and they often combine visual, behavioral, and acoustic forms of mimicry in order to produce an uncanny resemblance.

Several of these incredible mimics have already been featured on my blog: moths that mimic jumping spiders, a moth that mimics a broken birch twig, a moth caterpillar that can mimic a snake, a moth that disguises itself as two flies feeding on a pile of bird droppings, a moth that mimics a dried-up leaf, a moth that can mimic a cuckoo bee, and a moth that mimics the leaves of a poplar tree.

Moths are just so much more interesting than people generally realize.

Sources & More Info:

Journal of Ecology and Evolution: A Hypothesis to Explain Accuracy of Wasp Resemblances

Entomology Today: In Enemy Garb: A New Explanation for Wasp Mimicry

iNaturalist: Myrmecopsis polistes and Pseudosphex laticincta

Transactions of the Entomological Society of London: A Few Observations on Mimicry

[lezet]

Lezet - "Hut" (EP) is out on INSTITUTE FOR ALIEN RESEARCH (UK)!!!!!

Lezet - "Hut" (EP) is out on INSTITUTE FOR ALIEN RESEARCH (UK)!!!!! Acoustic guitar improvisations inspired by a drawing done by Maex9 (a 9-year old student of mine) A nylon string guitar tortured by a non-guitarist searching for songs

https://instituteforalienresearchvariousartists.bandcamp.com/album/the-hut-ep

[knowledge-first]

Did You Know? What is an Anechoic chamber?

The world's quietest room is located at Microsoft's headquarters in Washington. It's an anechoic chamber designed to absorb almost all sound, reaching a level of quietness of -9 decibels. That's quieter than human breathing! Scientists use this room to test products for noise reduction and to study the effects of silence on the human body. Imagine a world so quiet you can hear your own heartbeat!

[nmsc-market-pulse]

The Future of Acoustic Insulation Market: Innovations and Emerging Technologies

Introduction:

In an era where noise pollution is increasingly recognized as a significant health and environmental concern, the demand for effective acoustic insulation solutions is on the rise. As technology advances, new innovations and emerging technologies are shaping the future of acoustic insulation, offering improved soundproofing capabilities and enhanced environmental sustainability.

In this article, we will explore the latest trends and developments in the field of acoustic insulation, from novel materials and manufacturing techniques to cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

By understanding these innovations, stakeholders in the construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries can stay ahead of the curve and leverage the latest advancements to create quieter, more comfortable environments for work, leisure, and everyday living.

According to Next Move Strategy Consulting, the global Acoustic Insulation Market is predicted to reach USD 19.84 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 4.1% from 2024 to 2030.

Download FREE Sample: https://www.nextmsc.com/acoustic-insulation-market/request-sample

Nanotechnology in Acoustic Insulation: Nanotechnology is revolutionizing the field of acoustic insulation by offering materials with unprecedented soundproofing properties. Nanostructured materials, such as aerogels and nanocomposites, feature microscopic structures that trap and absorb sound waves more effectively than traditional insulation materials. These nanomaterials can be incorporated into building materials, automotive components, and industrial equipment to reduce noise transmission and improve acoustic comfort.

Additionally, nanocoatings applied to surfaces can enhance their sound-absorbing capabilities, making them ideal for noise control applications in architectural and industrial settings. As nanotechnology continues to advance, the potential for innovative acoustic insulation solutions will only continue to grow, offering greater flexibility, durability, and performance than ever before.

Geographical Analysis:

Asia-Pacific region is expected to hold the lion’s share in the global acoustic insulation market during the forecast period. This is attributed to factors such as fast-paced expansion of the economies such as Indonesia and China due to growing population, rapid industrial expansion, and increased consumer spending, among others.

Furthermore, increasing disposable income and rapid urbanization are the key factors that drive the demand for acoustic insulation in India. In addition, the presence of key players such as H.S. Engineers, Langfang Osking Business Co. Ltd., ACOEM Group, and Guangzhou Hui Acoustics Building Materials Co. Ltd. is expected to propel the growth of the acoustic insulation market in this region in the upcoming years.

Inquire before buying: https://www.nextmsc.com/acoustic-insulation-market/inquire-before-buying

3D Printing for Customized Acoustic Solutions: 3D printing technology is revolutionizing the manufacturing process for acoustic insulation products, allowing for highly customized solutions tailored to specific applications and environments. By using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, designers can create intricate geometries and structures optimized for sound absorption and insulation. These designs can then be printed using a variety of materials, including thermoplastics, foams, and elastomers, to achieve desired acoustic properties. 3D printing enables rapid prototyping and iterative design processes, allowing for quick evaluation and optimization of acoustic solutions.

Moreover, the flexibility of 3D printing allows for on-demand production of acoustic insulation components, reducing lead times and waste associated with traditional manufacturing methods. As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and customizable acoustic insulation solutions entering the market, offering unparalleled performance and versatility.

Smart Acoustic Insulation Systems: Advancements in smart technology are transforming acoustic insulation systems into intelligent solutions that can adapt to changing environmental conditions and user preferences. Smart acoustic panels equipped with sensors and actuators can dynamically adjust their properties in response to ambient noise levels, optimizing sound absorption and insulation in real-time. These panels can be integrated with building management systems to create adaptive acoustic environments that prioritize occupant comfort and productivity.

Additionally, machine learning algorithms can analyze environmental data and user feedback to optimize acoustic insulation settings automatically. Smart acoustic insulation systems offer unprecedented flexibility and control over indoor sound environments, allowing users to create personalized acoustic experiences tailored to their needs.

As smart technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more sophisticated and responsive acoustic insulation solutions entering the market, revolutionizing the way we approach noise control in buildings, vehicles, and industrial settings.

Sustainable Materials for Eco-Friendly Acoustic Insulation: As sustainability becomes a top priority in the construction and manufacturing industries, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly materials in acoustic insulation products.

Manufacturers are increasingly turning to renewable and recycled materials, such as natural fibers, recycled rubber, and cellulose insulation, to reduce the environmental impact of their products. These sustainable materials offer excellent soundproofing properties while minimizing resource consumption and carbon emissions.

Additionally, biodegradable acoustic insulation materials are gaining popularity for their eco-friendly disposal options at the end of their lifecycle. By incorporating sustainable materials into acoustic insulation products, manufacturers can meet the demand for environmentally responsible solutions while maintaining high standards of performance and durability.

As sustainability continues to drive innovation in the acoustic insulation market, we can expect to see more eco-friendly materials and manufacturing techniques entering the mainstream, offering greener alternatives for noise control in buildings, vehicles, and industrial applications.

Competitive Landscape:

Various market players operating in the global acoustic insulation market include Rockwool International, Saint-Gobain, Knauf Insulation, InsulTech, Armacell International, Suprema, Huntsman, Owens Corning, Kingspan Group, and Johns Manville, among others. The key market players are actively indulging in R&D initiatives, product & technology innovations, and industrial collaborations to enhance their product portfolio and increase their geographical reach.

For instance, in January 2021, Armacell partnered with German TITK Group and Melamine to manufacture affective acoustic insulation products with melamine resin-based nonwovens. Moreover, in July 2020, InsulTech announced the expansion of its plant in Yuma, the U.S., effectively doubling the manufacturing space at the site. This new plant will be used to produce foil encapsulated insulation blankets for transportation, industrial, and aerospace applications.

Conclusion:

The future of acoustic insulation is bright, with innovations and emerging technologies poised to revolutionize the way we approach noise control in various industries. From nanotechnology and 3D printing to smart systems and sustainable materials, the latest developments in acoustic insulation offer unprecedented performance, customization, and environmental sustainability. By embracing these innovations, stakeholders can create quieter, more comfortable environments that enhance productivity, well-being, and overall quality of life.

As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the field of acoustic insulation, driving further improvements in soundproofing capabilities and expanding the range of applications for these innovative solutions.

[electricalinsightsdaily]

Ultrasonic Sensors: A Comprehensive Guide

Ultrasonic sensors are devices that use ultrasonic waves, which are sound waves with frequencies higher than the audible range for humans (typically above 20,000 hertz), for various applications.

These sensors operate on the principle of sending out ultrasonic waves and measuring the time it takes for the waves to bounce back after hitting an object. This information can then be used to determine the distance or presence of the object.

Ultrasonic Sensors Working Principle

The working principle of ultrasonic sensors is based on the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how these sensors operate:

Generation of Ultrasonic Waves:

Ultrasonic sensors consist of a transducer, typically a piezoelectric crystal, that can convert electrical energy into ultrasonic waves. When an electrical voltage is applied to the crystal, it vibrates and generates ultrasonic waves in the frequency range beyond human hearing (typically above 20,000 hertz).

Wave Emission:

The ultrasonic sensor emits a short burst of ultrasonic waves into the surrounding environment. This burst of waves travels outward from the sensor.

Wave Propagation:

The ultrasonic waves move through the air until they encounter an object in their path. The waves continue to propagate until they hit a surface.

Reflection of Ultrasonic Waves:

When the ultrasonic waves strike an object, they are reflected back towards the sensor. The reflection occurs because the ultrasonic waves encounter a change in the medium (from air to the object’s surface), causing the waves to bounce back.

Reception of Reflected Waves:

The same transducer that emitted the ultrasonic waves now acts as a receiver. It detects the reflected waves returning from the object.

Time Measurement:

The sensor measures the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to travel from the sensor to the object and back. This time measurement is crucial for determining the distance to the object.

Distance Calculation:

Using the known speed of sound in the air, which is approximately 343 meters per second (at room temperature), the sensor calculates the distance to the object. The formula for distance (D) is given by D = (Speed of Sound × Time) / 2.

Output Signal:

The calculated distance information is then processed by the sensor’s electronics, and the output is provided in a suitable format, often as an analog voltage, digital signal, or distance reading.

These sensors work by emitting ultrasonic waves, detecting their reflections from objects, measuring the time taken for the round trip, and using this time information to calculate the distance to the objects in their detection range. This working principle is fundamental to various applications, including distance measurement, object detection, and obstacle avoidance.

Ultrasonic Sensors Pins Configurations

The pin configurations of ultrasonic sensors may vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. However, We will discuss general overview of the typical pin configuration for a commonly used ultrasonic sensor module, like the HC-SR04. This module is widely used in hobbyist and educational projects.

The HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor typically has four pins:

VCC (Voltage Supply):

This pin is used to provide power to the sensor. It typically requires a voltage in the range of 5V.

Trig (Trigger):

The Trig pin is used to trigger the start of the ultrasonic pulse. When a pulse of at least 10 microseconds is applied to this pin, the sensor emits an ultrasonic wave.

Echo:

The Echo pin is used to receive the ultrasonic waves that are reflected back from an object. The duration of the pulse received on this pin is proportional to the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to travel to the object and back.

GND (Ground):

This pin is connected to the ground (0V) of the power supply.

Read More: Ultrasonic Sensors

[reasonsforhope]

A reef that has been degraded—whether by coral bleaching or disease—can’t support the same diversity of species and has a much quieter, less rich soundscape.

But new research from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution shows that sound could potentially be a vital tool in the effort to restore coral reefs.

A healthy coral reef is noisy, full of the croaks, purrs, and grunts of various fishes and the crackling of snapping shrimp. Scientists believe that coral larvae use this symphony of sounds to help them determine where they should live and grow.

So, replaying healthy reef sounds can encourage new life in damaged or degraded reefs.

In a paper published last week in Royal Society Open Science, the Woods Hole researchers showed that broadcasting the soundscape of a healthy reef caused coral larvae to settle at significantly higher rates—up to seven times more often.

“What we’re showing is that you can actively induce coral settlement by playing sounds,” said Nadège Aoki, a doctoral candidate at WHOI and first author on the paper.

“You can go to a reef that is degraded in some way and add in the sounds of biological activity from a healthy reef, potentially helping this really important step in the coral life cycle.”

Corals are immobile as adults, so the larval stage is their only opportunity to select a good habitat. They swim or drift with the currents, seeking the right conditions to settle out of the water column and affix themselves to the seabed. Previous research has shown that chemical and light cues can influence that decision, but Aoki and her colleagues demonstrate that the soundscape also plays a major role in where corals settle.

The researchers ran the same experiment twice in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2022. They collected larvae from Porites astreoides, a hardy species commonly known as mustard hill coral thanks to its lumpy shape and yellow color and distributed them in cups at three reefs along the southern coast of St. John. One of those reefs, Tektite, is relatively healthy. The other two, Cocoloba and Salt Pond, are more degraded with sparse coral cover and fewer fish.

At Salt Pond, Aoki and her colleagues installed an underwater speaker system and placed cups of larvae at distances of one, five, 10, and 30 meters from the speakers. They broadcast healthy reef sounds – recorded at Tektite in 2013 – for three nights. They set up similar installations at the other two reefs but didn’t play any sounds.

When they collected the cups, the researchers found that significantly more coral larvae had settled in the cups at Salt Pond than the other two reefs. On average, coral larvae settled at rates 1.7 times (and up to 7x) higher with the enriched sound environment.

The highest settlement rates were at five meters from the speakers, but even the cups placed 30 meters away had more larvae settling to the bottom than at Cocoloba and Tektite.

“The fact that settlement is consistently decreasing with distance from the speaker, when all else is kept constant, is particularly important because it shows that these changes are due to the added sound and not other factors,” said Aran Mooney, a marine biologist at WHOI and lead author on the paper.

“This gives us a new tool in the toolbox for potentially rebuilding a reef.”

Adding the audio is a process that would be relatively simple to implement, too.

“Replicating an acoustic environment is actually quite easy compared to replicating the reef chemical and microbial cues which also play a role in where corals choose to settle,” said Amy Apprill, a microbial ecologist at WHOI and a co-author on the paper.

“It appears to be one of the most scalable tools that can be applied to rebuild reefs, so we’re really excited about that potential.”"

-via Good News Network, March 17, 2024