New Books Uncover Hidden World of Sound and Bat Biology

The publication of two new books, "These are a few of my favourite sounds" by Michaela Vieser and Isaac Yuen, and "The Genius Bat" by Yossi Yovel, has shed new light on the fascinating world of sound and the biology of bats. The books, released in 2025, explore the stories behind everyday sounds and the unique characteristics of bats, respectively. According to the authors of "These are a few of my favourite sounds", the book is an attempt to tell the stories behind sounds that might otherwise seem mundane or ordinary. The book features a range of sounds, including a background hiss detected in 1964, which was initially blamed on pigeons roosting in their antenna before being identified as cosmic background radiation from the Big Bang. The book also includes sounds such as icebergs crackling and music mysteriously created by tapping stone pillars in a medieval Hindu temple in India. "We wanted to explore the stories behind these sounds and how they can reveal new insights into the world around us," said Michaela Vieser, co-author of the book. In "The Genius Bat", neurobiologist Yossi Yovel delves into the fascinating world of bats, highlighting their incredible diversity and unique characteristics. With over 1,500 species, bats are the most diverse order among mammals, making up more than 20% of all mammal species. They can be found on six continents, living in colonies of millions or alone in crevices. Most bats are insect-eaters, but some eat fruits and pollen, while others dine on vertebrates, and three species drink blood. Yovel notes that despite their incredible diversity, we still cannot answer philosopher Thomas Nagel's famous question, "What is it like to be a bat?" Yovel's book provides a comprehensive overview of the biology and behavior of bats, highlighting their importance in ecosystems and their potential as a model for understanding human cognition. The publication of these two books is timely, given the growing interest in the intersection of science and sound. The Sound Atlas, a project that aims to map the sounds of the world, has been gaining attention in recent years. "These are a few of my favourite sounds" and "The Genius Bat" offer a unique perspective on the world of sound and the biology of bats, highlighting the importance of exploring the stories behind everyday sounds and the incredible diversity of life on Earth. The authors of both books are optimistic about the potential impact of their work. "We hope that our book will inspire people to listen to the world around them and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of everyday sounds," said Isaac Yuen, co-author of "These are a few of my favourite sounds". Yossi Yovel adds, "Our book highlights the importance of bats in ecosystems and their potential as a model for understanding human cognition. We hope that it will inspire further research and conservation efforts." The publication of "These are a few of my favourite sounds" and "The Genius Bat" marks an important milestone in the exploration of the world of sound and the biology of bats. As researchers continue to uncover new insights into the world around us, these books offer a unique perspective on the importance of exploring the stories behind everyday sounds and the incredible diversity of life on Earth.