Acoustic Cloaking Device to be Made From Crystals

Now you hear me...

So this is following up on the theories of cloaking objects from the visible light spectrum, that if you can get acoustic energy to flow AROUND a structure, then the inside of that structure is essentially acoustically neutral.

BBC News has the scoop:

Scientists have shown off the blueprint for an "acoustic cloak", which could make objects impervious to sound waves.

The technology, outlined in the New Journal of Physics, could be used to build sound-proof homes, advanced concert halls or stealth warships.

Darpa had a similar project running in 2007 to try and reduce acoustic energy from military vehicles, but I think this current project from Spanish researchers could prove more effective. It would also have more immediate consumer benefits (as well as more practical application for the Navy), though probably less effective for ground based vehicles.

Or maybe it would be too good. It might not be such a good idea to make a completely sound proof car...

Thanks for the link Jeff!

Do YOU have the perfect voice? Cuz I don't...

At least according to researcher Shannon Harris...

BBC News is reporting on a study, where the qualities of a person's voice (tone, frequency, rate of speech, breathing) can be charted to determine where one might fall on a pleasant scale. There are many objective qualities to be taken into consideration, but I'm not wholly surprised by this. Just as we generally determine physical beauty based on certain attributes, like symmetry, the idea that we can mathematically determine what frequency and pitch a voice should have to be considered "pleasing" isn't too far fetched to me.

So who did UK researchers pick as having "perfect" voices?

I have to say THIS did surprise me just a little. Apparently Alan "and cancel Christmas" Rickman has an ideal male voice. This is interesting to me, as I find his voice is a touch nasal, but I can't help but listen to every word he says, usually with rapt attention.


Which voice should women be aspiring to? Look no further than Dame Judi Dench!



BBC World News has a great little interview with researcher Shannon Harris. Cool stuff!

Music Good for Sleep

Quick write up from the BBC.

Researchers have shown just 45 minutes of relaxing music before bedtime can make for a restful night.
The Taiwanese researchers studied the sleeping patterns of 60 elderly people with sleep problems.

This makes sense. In our media driven world our bodies are constantly bombarded by images and jarring sounds. Almost all "sleep guides" I've checked out (I'm mildly insomniatic) have suggested removing yourself from lights (like computer monitors and TV's) at least half an hour (something about confusing the body like it's sunlight or something). What better way to compliment that than adding a little light Benny Goodman or Ella Fitzgerald?

Read the Article here @ BBC News