MIT press releases or scientific publications

MIT_CSAIL Discovers Sperm Whale 'Phonetic Alphabet' Using Machine Learning, Published in Nature Communications

May 7, 2024, 08:15 PM

Researchers at MIT_CSAIL and ProjectCETI have made a significant breakthrough in understanding sperm whale communication by discovering what they describe as a 'sperm whale phonetic alphabet.' This discovery was facilitated by the use of machine learning technologies to analyze over 8,700 snippets of sperm whale clicks, known as codas, in the Eastern Caribbean. The study, led by MIT's CSAIL under Daniela Rus and published in Nature Communications, indicates that sperm whales use a complex system of clicks and rhythms to communicate, which could be akin to human language. This research not only sheds light on the complexity of animal communication systems but also holds potential implications for the conservation of these marine giants.