At L.A. Rush, our passion for the ocean extends beyond crafting beautiful, sustainable swimwear—we are wholeheartedly dedicated to ocean conservation. That's why we've launched a new wave: a blog section devoted to ocean news that we think you'll love to explore. Let's dive in and share some amazing news about the ocean, kept simple without too much scientific jargon!
Remember Dory from 'Finding Nemo'? (Some of our Gen Z friends might not, but our millennial community surely will.) Imagine her trying to chat with whales using AI! "Just keep swimming and speaking in clicks!" could be her new motto. While it’s a fun thought, using AI to communicate with whales is genuinely amazing and highlights how far our technology has come.
Lets get to the science!
Scientists have recently made a mind-blowing breakthrough: they’re learning to chat with whales using artificial intelligence (AI)! Yep, you heard that right. Researchers are not just listening to whale songs anymore; they’re actually trying to understand and respond to them using advanced AI systems and natural language processing techniques. Just imagine the amazing possibilities!
The Journey to Speak to Marine Mammals
The initiative, led by Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative), is decoding the complex language of sperm whales. Sperm whales are a type of toothed whale, which also includes dolphins and porpoises. These magnificent creatures communicate using a series of clicks known as ‘codas.’ By using AI, researchers are deciphering these clicks to uncover an intricate language structure that is astonishingly rich and complex1.
One of the lead scientists, David Gruber, explained that the AI is helping them understand the ‘Morse code-like’ patterns in whale communication. The project involves using machine learning and AI algorithms to analyze thousands of hours of whale sounds. Supprising they did not fall asleep, right? We know we would! By identifying patterns and associations between the clicks, scientists are able to decode the language bit by bit. It’s like solving a massive puzzle with AI as their trusty tool.
New Developments in whale communication research
As of May 2024, Project CETI has made significant progress in their research. They have introduced new glider technology that listens to whales and developed innovative tools like bioinspired suction-cups for whale tags and drones that can follow whales.
Understanding the communication of different whale species, including the blue whale, is crucial for marine conservation efforts.
In an exciting discovery, Project CETI’s team has proposed the first-ever “sperm whale phonetic alphabet.” This research shows that sperm whale clicks form a complex language similar to musical patterns like rhythm and tempo. This means that whales might be communicating in ways we never understood before.
Dr. Daniela Rus from MIT, part of the CETI team, emphasized that this discovery is a major step forward. It suggests that sperm whales have a very intricate way of talking to each other, which could help us protect and understand them better.
Project CETI is also testing new, gentle tags and drones to study whales more closely. They have started using a new underwater glider that swims alongside whales to gather data. Additionally, they are working with National Geographic to train researchers and educate local schools about ocean conservation.
With these advancements, Project CETI is closer than ever to unlocking the mysteries of whale communication, helping us connect with these incredible marine mammals.
So, why are we trying to talk to whales anyway?
Other than the sheer excitement of being able to communicate with whales, this breakthrough has significant implications for ocean conservation. Protecting the marine environment is essential for the survival of marine life, including whales. Understanding whale communication, including that of baleen whales, can help researchers monitor and protect these magnificent creatures more effectively. For instance, deciphering distress calls could lead to faster rescue responses for stranded whales.
Moreover, understanding whale behavior through their communication can provide valuable insights into their overall health and habitat conditions. With the threat of climate change and human activities
What is an AI algorithm?
An AI algorithm is like a recipe that tells a computer how to solve a problem or make decisions. Imagine you're baking a cake: you follow steps like mixing ingredients and setting the oven to a specific temperature. Similarly, an AI algorithm follows a set of instructions to learn from data and make predictions or decisions. For example, just as you might learn to recognize different types of cakes by tasting them, an AI algorithm learns to recognize patterns and make predictions based on the data it processes. This helps it get better over time, just like you would improve your baking skills with practice.
What is Machine Learning, Simplified!
Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that involves training computers to learn from data and make decisions or predictions without being explicitly programmed to do so. In the case of Project CETI, the AI models are being trained to recognize patterns in whale communication and translate them into human language. This process requires a lot of data and computing power, but the results have been nothing short of remarkable.
The thought of communicating with whales through AI may have seemed like something out of science fiction just a few years ago, but now it’s becoming a reality. Through projects like Project CETI, we are unlocking the secrets. The AI techniques used in Project CETI have real-world applications, such as improving our understanding of marine life and aiding in conservation efforts. This project could help us understand the communication whales, which are integral to the marine ecosystem.
Looking ahead:
The future of AI in marine biology is super exciting. With tech evolving, and the use of AI tools, we’ll soon understand not just whales, but other amazing marine creatures too. Imagine how this could change ocean conservation, making it way more effective and insightful.
Our Connection to Artificial Intelligence
This tech wonder really resonates with us at L.A. Rush. Our founder, who is studying a Master’s in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence with a focus on computer systems, finds the blend of technology and nature super inspiring. Innovations like this remind us why it’s so important to protect our oceans and the amazing life they support.
Our Commitment to Ocean Conservation
At L.A. Rush, we believe in supporting initiatives that align with our commitment to ocean conservation. By bringing you the latest ocean news, we hope to inspire and educate our community about the wonders of the sea and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Our sustainable swimwear is made from eco-friendly materials, including recycled ocean abandoned fishing nets, to reduce waste and protect the diverse group of marine life. Each purchase you make contributes to ocean conservation efforts, helping organizations that work tirelessly to safeguard marine ecosystems.
shop our collection at www.larushswim.com/shop
to learn more about Project Ceti visit: https://www.projectceti.org/
Here's the research we used:
https://www.wired.com/story/use-ai-talk-to-whales-save-life-on-earth/
https://www.projectceti.org/blog-posts/project-ceti-updates
https://www.projectceti.org/blog-posts/sperm-whale-phonetic-alphabet-proposed-for-the-first-time
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240409-the-scientists-learning-to-speak-whale