A round of applause, please: Scientists have finally figured out what’s behind the sound of clapping. The research pinpoints a mechanism called a Helmholtz resonator — the same acoustic concept that ...

It's such a natural reaction, but how did this custom begin?

From Slate to theAP, it appears to be unanimous among writers covering Sarah Palin's speech at the RNC: the applause sounded like thunder. And, listening to applause in isolation, it starts to sound ...

Hand clapping is ubiquitous behavior for humans across time and cultures, serving many different purposes: to signify approval with applause, for instance, or to keep time to music. Acousticians often ...

A packed stands full of eager supporters come to life in this crisp, close‑up take of an audience’s roar. Layered over one another are sharp, celebratory shout-outs that bounce off the stadium’s glass ...