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A collaborative study by researchers from Goldsmiths College, University of London, and the University of Southampton found that low-frequency infrasound can induce feelings of unease, anxiety, and even shivers in humans. In controlled experiments, participants exposed to infrasound at 17 Hz for short periods reported significantly higher rates of discomfort, sorrow, and 'feeling strange' compared to a control group. The methodology involved secretly broadcasting infrasound during a live concert setting, with attendees unaware of the sound's presence. This groundbreaking research provides empirical evidence for the long-suspected link between infrasound and unexplained 'haunted' sensations. This work was published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.
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Why It’s Fascinating
Psychologists and paranormal investigators alike were intrigued by the study's robust findings, offering a scientific explanation for phenomena often attributed to the supernatural. This discovery confirms anecdotal evidence and challenges purely psychological explanations for feelings of dread or presence in certain environments, highlighting a physiological component. Within 5-10 years, this understanding could lead to new guidelines for building design, mitigating environmental factors that inadvertently cause discomfort, or even inform the design of immersive experiences. Imagine a subtle, silent hum in the air that, like a nagging background worry, imperceptibly shifts your mood. Architects, urban planners, and even theme park designers could benefit from this knowledge. If infrasound can evoke negative emotions, could specific frequencies potentially be used to induce positive emotional states or enhance focus?
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