Latest news with #acoustics
Russia Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Russia Today
Top Russian orchestra hits high note in new Sochi venue
The Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra, led by acclaimed Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, has held rehearsals in the main and chamber halls of the newly built Sirius Concert Hall, located in Sochi, southern Russia. It marked the venue's first full-scale acoustic test with a professional ensemble. On Saturday, the orchestra performed selections from its evening program, which was later presented in the Medal Plaza at Olympic Park. The concert formed part of the ongoing Sirius Summer Music Festival, which runs from July 15 to August 24. The rehearsal offered musicians and acousticians a valuable opportunity to assess the hall's performance qualities ahead of its official opening in October 2025. 'The acoustic properties of this still-under-construction concert complex didn't just please us – they truly amazed us,' said Gergiev, speaking to journalists after the rehearsal. He added that the venue offers new possibilities for staging productions with a full orchestra pit or adapting the space to accommodate more audience seating. Gergiev also highlighted the exceptional potential of the Chamber Hall, which is already fully operational. 'Accommodating up to 75 musicians is rare for a chamber hall – even among the world's best. I believe this space could easily stage works like Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro.' According to the maestro, the hall is poised to become a cultural destination for lovers of theater, classical, and chamber music, especially during the velvet seasons of summer and autumn. Construction of the Sirius Concert Hall began in 2020. The venue features two world-class performance spaces, along with state-of-the-art acoustics designed by Yasuhisa Toyota, the renowned sound engineer behind over 100 iconic concert halls worldwide. 'This first rehearsal at the Sirius Concert Hall signals the beginning of a new era for the arts in Russia,' said Elena Shmeleva, chair of the Council of the Sirius Federal Territory and Director of the Talent and Success Foundation. 'We are building not just a venue, but a full ecosystem for artistic excellence and international collaboration.'
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Florida Tech withdraws from Cape Canaveral rocket-noise study, citing its narrow scope
Citing insufficient pricing and scope of research, the Florida Institute of Technology has withdrawn from a partnership with the city of Cape Canaveral to monitor potential impacts of rocket launches on buildings and infrastructure. This $10,019 study, which the Cape Canaveral City Council approved in April, called for Florida Tech to install sensors — including sound level meters, accelerometers and air quality monitors — at a handful of buildings across Cape Canaveral and collect data before, during and after rocket launches. But upon further review, Florida Tech withdrew because "the $10,000 cost and narrow purview are insufficient to appropriately examine the issues at hand," university spokesperson Wes Sumner said. Specifically, Sumer said a more robust study using more sensors in more locations — including weather sensors — would better address the complexities at play. Cape Canaveral: Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule at Cape Canaveral "Florida Tech initially estimates that cost for an appropriately detailed study could be $100,000 or more. The ongoing work from faculty at (Brigham Young University) into the acoustics of rockets, for example, which has produced multiple journal articles, alludes to the broader effort needed for more meaningful, impactful data," Sumner said in an email. Why study rocket launch acoustics? In a news post, City Hall staffers said Cape Canaveral residents are concerned about the possibility of long-term structural damages such as cracking, foundation settling and shattered windows — particularly in light of increasing launch rates and rocket sizes. Florida's Space Coast remains on track to crack the 100-launch barrier for this first time this year. "The City's goal in pursuing this research was to determine the long-term impacts on the built environment of repeated rocket launches with ever more powerful launch vehicles, and we still wish to accomplish this," Zachary Eichholz, chief resilience manager for the city of Cape Canaveral, said in an email. "It is currently exploring alternative means to conduct this research, including future initiatives with FIT and other research teams at other universities," Eichholz said. Last week, U.S. Air Force officials collected environmental comments during public hearings in Titusville, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa about SpaceX's proposal to start launching up to 76 Starship-Super Heavy rocket systems per year — with up to 152 sonic-boom-producing landings — at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Those Starship-Super Heavy future liftoffs from Launch Complex 37 would occur 9 miles from Cape Canaveral's closest condominium and 10.4 miles from City Hall, Eichholz said. SpaceX did not respond to messages seeking comment for this story. Space Force, SpaceX, NASA conducting bigger study in CA In terms of scope, a far-larger research collaboration is tracking rocket sonic-boom data this year near Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This study involves the Space Force, BYU, California State University-Bakersfield, SpaceX, NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration. A network of about 25 monitoring stations is dispatched across 500 square miles of California's central coast, collecting data to create a three-dimensional sound map. "It's like trying to catch lightning in a bottle," Kent Gee, who chairs BYU's Department of Physics and Astronomy, said in a Space Force press release. "All launches generate sonic booms; however, their audibility to the public is influenced by several factors, including the launch trajectory, the size of the rocket, and atmospheric conditions.' Specifically, the California coastal region's multiple "microclimates" add to the complexities, and Gee said launches with nearly identical flight paths can produce vastly different noise levels on the ground. The press release said this variability "has sent researchers on a quest to unravel the complex interplay between rocket trajectories, weather conditions, and topography." Air Force shares Starship-Super Heavy sound details An Air Force 176-page draft environmental impact statement said Starship-Super Heavy noise would represent "a community annoyance" for residential neighborhoods in Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Titusville and Merritt Island — particularly during Super Heavy booster landings. During last week's public hearings, mention was made of SpaceX's proposed actions to reduce noise impacts using sound suppression technology: A water deluge system would spray large volumes of water onto the launch pad during liftoff, absorbing acoustic energy and converting it to steam — significantly reducing sound intensity. Flame trenches beneath the launch pad would redirect and disperse exhaust and sound energy away from sensitive areas. In addition, SpaceX will coordinate with Space Launch Delta 45 to alert the public in advance of launches and potential sonic booms via websites and social media. If a sonic boom causes suspected property damage, Air Force meeting materials said building owners could launch a formal claims process by contacting the Space Launch Delta 45 public affairs office. Compensation would be provided in accordance with FAA regulations, the Commercial Space Launch Act and other relevant law and policy. For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter. Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@ Twitter/X: @RickNeale1 Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida Tech withdraws from rocket-noise study with city of Cape Canaveral Solve the daily Crossword
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Wolverhampton entertainment venue recognised for its acoustics
A Wolverhampton entertainment venue that went through a major refurb has been shortlisted for an award for its refit of University of Wolverhampton at the Halls created a larger stage, new balconies and bars and better disabled manager Sandy Brown, an acoustic consultancy, submitted an entry for the Acoustic Awards 2025 for its work on the venue, which reopened in entrants will give a four-minute presentation after the Acoustics and Noise Consultants' (ANC) conference in Birmingham on Wednesday. In a post on Linkedin, the ANC said Sandy Brown's entry showcased "the successful modern revitalisation of a historic venue, carefully preserving its architectural heritage while meeting contemporary performance standards".The Grade II listed site, which comprises the Wulfrun and Civic Halls, increased its capacity to a total of 4,600 during the building ANC said its design and construction "tackled complex challenges to implement an acoustic strategy to ensure the Halls could host a range of events".Since it reopened, the venue has welcomed the likes of Blur, Robert Plant and McFly. Also competing in the Acoustic Awards 2025 performance space category are Acoustic Consultants for work on Albert Hall, Swansea and SRL Technical Services for Co-op Live in Manchester. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Sustainability Times
12-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Mosquitoes Outwit Human Defenses': Scientists Uncover How These Insects Evade Traps and Survive Our Cleverest Tricks
IN A NUTSHELL 🐝 Male mosquitoes possess complex auditory systems, allowing them to hear a wide range of frequencies beyond simple wingbeats. possess complex auditory systems, allowing them to hear a wide range of frequencies beyond simple wingbeats. 🧬 Research reveals that male mosquitoes have evolved distinct genetic traits, enhancing their ability to detect and process sound. 🎯 Understanding these intricate acoustic cues could lead to the development of more effective mosquito traps and control methods. could lead to the development of more effective mosquito traps and control methods. 🔍 The study highlights the dual role of mosquito hearing for both mating and survival, offering new insights into pest management strategies. In the intricate dance of nature, the male mosquito emerges as an unexpected maestro, adeptly navigating the cacophony of sounds to locate its mate. Recent revelations from Nagoya University highlight the sophisticated auditory capabilities that male mosquitoes employ to outsmart both environmental noise and human attempts at control. As we dive into the nuances of mosquito acoustics, it becomes evident that these tiny creatures possess a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for future mosquito management strategies. Mosquitoes Use Complex Acoustic Cues The world of mosquitoes is replete with sound, and it is the male mosquito that has evolved to harness these acoustic cues with astonishing precision. Traditional sound traps, designed to mimic female wingbeats, have underdelivered in real-world applications, capturing only a fraction of the intended targets. This shortfall arises because these traps fail to replicate the complex array of sounds that male mosquitoes are attuned to. Recent studies reveal that male mosquitoes are not merely passive listeners to a singular frequency. Instead, their hearing encompasses a wide range of sounds, from female wingbeats to the blended frequencies that occur when the wingbeats of males and females intertwine. This intricate auditory landscape explains the inadequacy of simple traps and hints at new pathways for developing more effective mosquito control solutions. 'We Finally Know Where They Come From': Astrophysicists Uncover Shocking Clues Behind Mysterious Birth of Intermediate-Mass Black Holes How Male Mosquitoes Process Sound To unravel the mysteries of mosquito hearing, researchers employed advanced techniques like calcium imaging to observe brain activity in mosquitoes. The focus was on the AMMC, or antennal mechanosensory and motor center, a critical auditory region in the mosquito brain. The findings were illuminating: male mosquitoes responded to a broader frequency range, between 150 to 500 Hz, compared to females, who mainly responded to 100 to 200 Hz. This wide auditory range is not merely a quirk but a sophisticated adaptation enabling males to pinpoint the location of females amidst dense swarms. Males exhibited four distinct sound response patterns, showcasing their complex auditory processing. This diversity suggests that male mosquitoes possess a far more intricate system for interpreting sound than previously understood, giving them a distinct edge in their reproductive pursuits. 'Earth Is Being Poisoned From Below': Microplastics Found in Earthworms Threaten Crops, Food Chains, and Human Survival Female Mosquito Sounds and Human Traps The evolution of mosquito hearing is a tale of survival and reproduction. Some male mosquito neurons exhibit negative responses, reducing activity at specific frequencies like 150 Hz. This ability to tune out extraneous noise or sharpen focus on particular sounds may be crucial for mating success. Interestingly, both male and female mosquitoes share certain low-frequency sound responses, likely a legacy from their evolutionary past. These sounds, akin to the wingbeats of predators like dragonflies, indicate that mosquitoes use sound not just for mating but as a vital survival mechanism. Moreover, genetic investigations have revealed that males express more genes related to cilia, the tiny hairs responsible for detecting vibrations. These genetic traits endow male mosquitoes with their exceptional auditory capabilities, making them a promising target for innovative mosquito control methods. 'NASA Freezes Human Aging': This Stunning Discovery Could Delay Death and Revolutionize Deep Space Survival Forever Surprisingly Complex Auditory System The auditory prowess of male mosquitoes is a testament to the intricate workings of evolution. This study sheds light on how mosquitoes have developed a highly specialized auditory system to improve mating success in noisy environments. Unlike a monotone mating cue, male mosquitoes interpret a rich tapestry of sound frequencies, including overlapping signals from male and female wingbeats. This complexity suggests that mosquitoes have been under significant evolutionary pressure to refine their hearing abilities, enabling them to locate mates in the chaos of swarming clouds. The study not only expands our understanding of mosquito biology but also opens doors to potentially more effective control strategies by mimicking or disrupting these auditory cues. As we delve deeper into the world of mosquito acoustics, a pressing question emerges: Can we leverage this newfound knowledge to outsmart mosquitoes and reduce their impact on human populations? The answer could hold the key to a quieter, mosquito-free future. What innovative solutions might arise from our enhanced understanding of mosquito hearing, and how will they shape our approach to pest control? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. 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CNA
11-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Think your favourite cafe's too loud? Bad design could be ruining your dining experience
You're catching up with an old friend at a cafe. Or maybe you're at a networking lunch, or winding down after work over drinks at a restaurant. What is one thing that would, without fail, taint the entire experience? For me, it's noise. Not just obnoxiously loud chatter, but the kind of intrusive, inescapable noise made worse by poor acoustic design. Think the clang of cutlery, the screech of chairs dragged across bare floors, the shrill hiss and rumble of an espresso machine. Add in a couple's conversation from two tables away, their every word reverberating off hard surfaces, and I fight to hear even my own thoughts. This year alone, I've left several supposedly chill meet-ups with a frayed sense of calm and a bad taste in my mouth – that had nothing to do with the food. HUMAN BEHAVIOUR, INTERIOR DESIGN AFFECT NOISE I'm hardly alone in this. Whenever my friends and I are deciding where to meet, we usually land on one criteria: Somewhere conducive for conversation. But unless we retreat to someone's home, our seemingly basic requirement often feels out of reach, partly due to the Lombard effect, informally known as the cocktail party effect. This refers to the involuntary tendency to increase one's vocal effort when speaking in loud noise. For business owners, the effect is "not only unpleasant, but it also limits the capacity of the restaurant", explained Adrian Lo, founder of acoustic consultancy Soundzipper. "If you really want to fill your restaurant, you need that (acoustic treatment). It helps you fill your restaurant without causing undue unpleasantness," he believes. Noise and its psychological impact can also be exacerbated by a restaurant's interior design, often influenced by its target demographic and cuisine. A research paper from 2015 examined 112 restaurants in Singapore, with a focus on interior design materials, to understand how sound and environment affect the dining experience. Restaurants are "intensively social places", and their design is subject to "competing requirements", wrote the paper's author Dr PerMagnus Lindborg, now an associate professor at the School of Creative Media in the City University of Hong Kong. "Restaurants need to attract customers; and so they have large windows towards the street or open doors towards the shopping mall in which they are located, leaking in external noise. They need to give an impression of cleanliness; so floors and tabletop materials are hard and acoustically reflective," he wrote, referencing external research. "Managers and waiters need to scan the tables; so there are few wall partitions to absorb sound and provide lateral first reflections." In some cases, customers may also seek a "vibrant atmosphere" where appropriate music mixes with voices into an "agreeable din", while other contexts may call for a calm environment that allows greater privacy for a spoken conversation. Separate research also found that "contemporary restaurant interiors are dominated by hard surfaces and open-space architecture", causing noise from the kitchen and bar to spill over into the dining area, according to Dr Lindborg's paper. "They also noted a prevalence for bare surfaces, with few textiles such as carpets, draperies or linens." Dr Lindborg's own field survey similarly found that "jarring noise" tends to occur in open-design concepts. Such layouts may allow restaurant managers "visual control" in scanning the room, but acoustically, "it's a disaster", he said. He has observed "more compartments" in comparatively old-fashioned places, such as pillars in restaurants, private breakout rooms and high sofas, which are "acoustically more favourable to conversation". But it doesn't mean that these features are reserved for places of traditional luxury. Both Lo from Soundzipper and Dr Lindborg pinpointed McDonald's as a restaurant that is "acoustically remarkably good". "The reason, just from observation, is they typically have these perforated ceilings. The ceiling is a large part of the enclosure, and if you can just reduce the echoes from the ceiling, you get very good results," Dr Lindborg told CNA Lifestyle. "Then you can accept that the floor is hard, or that you don't have any soft parts on the walls, or bookshelves with irregular books. Those are acoustically good things, but it makes other parts of the design more difficult." PRIORITISING GOOD ACOUSTIC DESIGN In Singapore's food and beverage scene, prioritising good acoustic design in the average dining experience is key for at least one cafe. Sera Phua, the director and founder of Acoustics Coffee Bar, understands my discomfort with trying to hold a conversation while dining amid excessive noise. But instead of, say, investing in personal ear plugs to manage her own sensitivity to sound, the 31-year-old decided to start Acoustics Coffee Bar – so everyone could benefit from good sound. Both the Owen Road and Neil Road outlets share a simple goal: To create an environment where customers can enjoy proper conversations without having to strain their ears or vocal cords. 'My partner and I used to go to cafes and restaurants, where we wanted to have a chat or get-together … but we realised that we couldn't really have a good chat, to the point that we gave up talking to each other and started using our phones,' Phua explained. 'Having a comfortable conversation is in our subconscious, but people don't know they need a conducive space (that allows it), until they experience it.' In fact, I'd first heard about Acoustics Coffee Bar from people who struggle with sensory overload. But I only became a believer when I visited its Neil Road outlet for the first time earlier this year. Even the standard sputtering of a coffee machine in the background felt less jarring, with the cafe's acoustic treatments, compared with how a regular cafe would have made me feel: Slightly on edge. Phua asserts that even at their busiest hour – on a weekend around 2pm to 3pm – customers would still be able to 'feel the zen here'. For instance, she uses absorption and diffuser panels on the cafe's walls to reduce unwanted noise and break off the sound waves, respectively. But it's not just about having them in place; exact placement also requires "visualisation of how customers will speak and how noise will travel", she said. "We're trying to make something, usually deemed as luxury, accessible so anyone can enjoy it. Our goal is to create an intimate cafe where people can connect over coffee and meals, free from noise and distraction." In general, solid, smooth and hard surfaces – such as glass, metal and concrete – are more likely to make a space noisier and hence more uncomfortable. But as long as a space is conditioned "well enough", Phua believes cafes and restaurants don't have to avoid using these materials. Wood, on the other hand, is typically considered good for acoustics. But it has to be "a special kind of wood" with micro perforations, or it must incorporate sound-absorbing materials that are porous, advised Lo from Soundzipper. Some places also install a layer of such material on the underside of tables, he said. "You won't see it, but it helps with controlling the sound waves bouncing around." Yet, despite the clear benefits, acoustic design still tends to be an afterthought. Findings from Dr Lindborg's field survey of over 100 restaurants in Singapore revealed that there was more room for improvement of soundscape in restaurants than of the corresponding visual environment. "A reduction in ambient noise levels sonic quality is likely to lead to higher environmental quality ratings, both visual and sonic, and might at the same time be a justification for an increase in menu prices," his paper suggested. So acoustic design may not top the average diner's list of concerns, but I, too, reckon there's room for compromise. After all, restaurants already pour immense effort into their menus, service and visual appeal. It would be a shame to forget one of the most basic aspects of hospitality is to create an environment where people can genuinely connect.
