New sound blind reduces noise while allowing air to flow freely

Excessive noise in hospitals has been implicated for patients in the development of hospitalization induced stress, delayed recovery, high blood pressure and poor mental health. For staff, it leads to stress and reduced performance.

A new technology allows scientists to turn plastic sheets into powerful noise-cancelling panels with the same noise-reduction effect of as two inches of plywood but weighing four to six times less.

The panels are much lighter than traditional solutions for noise abatement and, if required, can even let air and light go through.

And, because they are easily moveable, the panels can transform a noisy living room and open office space or silence a busy hospital ward.

Some of the panels can be used as grilles to silence air conditioning units and extractor fans or as part of blinds, to keep the noise out while the window stays open.