To crack the code of whale communication, scientists rely on underwater microphones called hydrophones to gain access to the animals’ soundscapes. In aqueous environments, sound travels about five times faster than it does in air. What’s more, acoustic waves face less dissipation in water, traveling farther and differently than in air. New advances in hydrophone technology spearheaded by a UC Davis scientist are giving us an unprecedented view into the lives of whales.

After the pandemic shut down movie theaters and slowed business for his film company in Singapore, Christian Lee (B.A., history, ’90) co-invented a new way for fans to enjoy films on the big screen.