Using a fly as inspiration, researchers at the University of Texas at Austin (UT) have created a miniature device that they say could lead to the development of hypersensitive hearing aids. The research team focused on the Ormia ochracea fly, which has a highly sophisticated hearing system. Contrary to other animals, insects generally cannot pinpoint sound sources because sound waves essentially hit both of their ears at the same time. The Ormia ochracea fly’s hearing system is different, as it contains tiny, teeter-totter-like mechanisms within the ear system that enable the fly to pinpoint sound sources within two degrees.
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