Richard Rabbitt, University of Utah (IMAGE)

University of Utah

Richard Rabbitt, University of Utah

Caption

Richard Rabbitt, professor and chair of bioengineering at the University of Utah, led a study indicating that a mechanism known as "flexoelectricity" works within the cochlea of the ear to amplify quiet sounds. Bundles of tiny hair-like tubes called stereocilia dance back and forth atop "hair cells" in the cochlea, serving as "flexoelectric motors" to amplify sound mechanically. Rabbitt says it is like power steering for your hearing.

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University of Utah College of Engineering.

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