Hospitals to test noise-cancelling metamaterial
A metamaterial capable of bending, shaping and focusing acoustic waves is to be trialled in hospitals and other locations where noise is problematic.
The so-called Sonoblind panel technology will allow scientists to turn plastic sheets into noise-cancelling panels with the same noise-reduction effect of as two inches of plywood but weighing four to six times less.
A 2018 study published in the British Medical Journal reported that 40 per cent of hospital patients are bothered by noise at night with levels regularly exceeding international recommendations. Another study from March 2021 showed that noise levels as high as 88dB have been measured in intensive care units.
UK team sounds off with metamaterial bricks
World’s first sound projector targets willing individuals
Metasonixx, the company behind the Sonoblind panels, is a spin out from the Universities of Sussex and Bristol. The company, founded by Dr Gianluca Memoli, from the School of Engineering of Informatics of Sussex University, and by Prof. Bruce Drinkwater, of Bristol University, has just been awarded the Armourers & Brasiers Venture Prize, which comes with £25,000 investment.
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
Experts speculate over cause of Iberian power outages
I´m sure politicians will be thumping tables and demanding answers - while Professor Bell, as reported above, says ´wait for detailed professional...