/oss/taxonomy/term/2342/all en /oss/article/health-technology-general-science/emerging-science-careful-whispers <p>Some people crave whispers. As a way to relax before going to sleep, these whisper connoisseurs go to YouTube, type in four letters, and let their brain be transfixed by the murmurs of intimacy surrogates.</p> Fri, 11 Jun 2021 21:10:43 +0000 Jonathan Jarry M.Sc. 8760 at /oss /oss/article/technology-you-asked/are-ultrasonic-pest-repellers-effective <p><span>Unfortunately, the science behind ultrasonic pest repellers is ultra-shaky. Seems like an attractive idea though, right? Just plug a charger-sized device emitting undetectable sound into the wall, wait about 2 weeks, then BAM, your garage oasis is insect and rodent free without the use of chemical pesticides or inhumane traps. Sounds great! Too bad these devices have never been proven to actually work. But let’s take a look at the theory anyway.</span></p> Mon, 27 Nov 2017 18:17:57 +0000 Cassandra Lee, OSS Intern 6833 at /oss /oss/article/did-you-know-general-science/rats-dont-really-squeak <p>Despite what movies would have you think, rats barely ever make any sounds, at least those that humans are able to hear. Rat’s vocalizations <a href="https://www.metris.nl/media/documents/sonotrack/Rat_mice_USV.pdf">start at around 2 kHz and extend as far up as 100 kHz</a>. For reference, human’s can hear roughly 2-20 kHz, so the vast majority of rat noises made are well into the ultrasonic spectrum. Pet and wild rats alike will seem almost mute, unless put into extreme distress, when they will squeak or shriek audibly.</p> Tue, 30 May 2017 18:16:34 +0000 Ada McVean B.Sc. 2501 at /oss /oss/article/did-you-know-technology/noise-cancelling-headphones <p>The precious noise-cancelling headphones that every seasoned traveller carries in their bags are actually quite an incredible piece of technology. These headphones work by listening via microphone to the surrounding sound waves, and then creating and playing the exact opposite waves, in order to cancel them out. This process is quick, but not instant, which is part of why noise-cancelling items work best on constant noises, like airplane engines or traffic, but might struggle more with sudden noises like babies crying.</p> Thu, 11 May 2017 19:33:31 +0000 Ada McVean B.Sc. 2439 at /oss