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Scientists Identify Infrasound as a Potential Cause of 'Ghost' Experiences in Buildings

Scientists Identify Infrasound as a Potential Cause of 'Ghost' Experiences in Buildings

Recent research has identified inaudible infrasound waves, often emitted by old boilers, pipes, and plumbing, as a potential factor influencing people's perceptions of haunted buildings. According to Rodney Schmaltz, a psychologist at MacEwan University, these low-frequency sound waves can negatively affect mood, making individuals feel unnerved and uncomfortable. This sensation might lead some to believe in the presence of ghosts, especially if they are already inclined towards supernatural explanations. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, involved experiments where participants were exposed to infrasound without their knowledge. Results showed increased stress responses and mood shifts, suggesting that infrasound could contribute to the eerie feelings associated with haunted locations.

Study Reveals Infrasound as a Potential Cause of 'Ghostly' Experiences

Study Reveals Infrasound as a Potential Cause of 'Ghostly' Experiences

Recent research conducted by Rodney Schmaltz, a psychologist at MacEwan University, suggests that infrasound waves, which are inaudible to humans, may contribute to feelings of unease often attributed to ghostly presences. Infrasound, defined as sound at frequencies below 20 Hz, can be emitted by old buildings through their boilers, pipes, and plumbing. Schmaltz's study, published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, involved experiments where participants walked through a haunted house attraction with infrasound speakers. The results indicated that participants moved faster and felt more unsettled when infrasound was present. Further tests with 36 volunteers listening to music, with and without infrasound, showed increased stress responses, as evidenced by higher cortisol levels in saliva, when infrasound was played.

University of East Anglia Researchers Discover New Property of Light with Potential Technological Impacts

University of East Anglia Researchers Discover New Property of Light with Potential Technological Impacts

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have uncovered a previously unknown property of light that allows it to twist, spin, and behave in unusual ways without the need for mirrors, materials, or specialized lenses. This discovery challenges long-standing assumptions about light's behavior and suggests that light can be 'programmed' by leveraging its inherent geometry. The research indicates that light can develop chiral behavior, acting like a left or right hand, while moving freely through space. This finding could have significant implications for medical diagnostics, data transmission, and future quantum systems. The study demonstrates that light can naturally develop handed behavior, which could enable it to carry information, examine biological systems, manipulate matter, and safeguard quantum signals.

Oxford Physicists Achieve Breakthrough in Quantum Interaction with Quadsqueezing

Oxford Physicists Achieve Breakthrough in Quantum Interaction with Quadsqueezing

Researchers at the University of Oxford have demonstrated a new kind of quantum interaction using a single trapped ion, achieving a breakthrough in quantum physics. This involves a fourth-order effect known as quadsqueezing, which was previously considered too weak to observe. The method allows for the generation of complex quantum interactions 100 times faster than expected, opening new possibilities for advanced quantum simulation, sensing, and computing. The findings, published in Nature Physics, highlight a new way to engineer these interactions, potentially making them widely useful across various quantum platforms.

Houston Startup ZettaJoule Advances High-Temperature Nuclear Reactor for Industrial Use in Texas

Houston Startup ZettaJoule Advances High-Temperature Nuclear Reactor for Industrial Use in Texas

Houston Startup ZettaJoule Advances High-Temperature Nuclear Reactor for Industrial Use in Texas

NASA Confirms Asteroid Apophis to Safely Pass Earth in 2029, Offering Unique Study Opportunity

NASA Confirms Asteroid Apophis to Safely Pass Earth in 2029, Offering Unique Study Opportunity

NASA has confirmed that the asteroid Apophis, named after the ancient Egyptian God of evil and destruction, will pass remarkably close to Earth on April 13, 2029. This event is significant as Apophis will come within 20,000 miles of Earth, closer than many satellites orbiting the planet. Initially discovered in 2004, Apophis was once thought to have a potential impact risk in 2029, 2036, or 2068. However, continuous monitoring and updated radar observations have ruled out any collision risk for at least the next 100 years. The asteroid, which spans approximately 1,230 feet, will be visible to the naked eye, providing a rare opportunity for scientists to study it closely.

How Kierkegaard Linked Anxiety and Freedom

How Kierkegaard Linked Anxiety and Freedom

Soren Kierkegaard's exploration of anxiety in his 1844 work, "The Concept of Anxiety," has had a lasting impact on both philosophy and psychology. ...

AI Advances in Solving Complex Inverse PDEs for Scientific Applications

AI Advances in Solving Complex Inverse PDEs for Scientific Applications

Researchers at Penn Engineering have developed a new AI method to solve inverse partial differential equations (PDEs), a challenging class of mathematical problems. The technique, called 'Mollifier Layers,' allows scientists to work backward from observable patterns to infer hidden dynamics. This advancement could benefit fields such as genetics and weather forecasting by providing a more reliable mathematical approach to understanding complex systems. The method addresses the instability and computational burden associated with recursive automatic differentiation, offering a more stable and efficient way to infer hidden parameters.

University of East Anglia Researchers Discover New Property of Light with Potential for Medical and Communication Advances

University of East Anglia Researchers Discover New Property of Light with Potential for Medical and Communication Advances

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered a previously unknown property of light that allows it to twist and spin without the need for mirrors or specialized lenses. This finding, which challenges long-standing assumptions about light, suggests that light can naturally develop chiral behavior, acting like a left or right hand while moving freely through space. The research indicates that light can be 'programmed' by leveraging its inherent geometry, potentially enabling it to carry information, examine biological systems, manipulate matter, and safeguard quantum signals. This discovery could reshape fields such as medical diagnostics, data transmission, and future quantum systems.

Advanced Laser Technology Creates Plasma in Trillionths of a Second

Advanced Laser Technology Creates Plasma in Trillionths of a Second

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have achieved a breakthrough in laser technology by capturing the ionization process that turns metal into plasma in trillionths of a second. Using two advanced laser systems, the team observed how high-energy lasers interact with matter under extreme conditions. This research, conducted at the European XFEL, provides new insights into plasma formation and evolution, which could enhance diagnostics in laser fusion research.

Psychologists Explain Why Quietly Leaving Parties Early Isn't Rude

Psychologists Explain Why Quietly Leaving Parties Early Isn't Rude

Psychologists Explain Why Quietly Leaving Parties Early Isn't Rude

Harvard Researchers Achieve Breakthrough in Chip-Scale UV Light Efficiency

Harvard Researchers Achieve Breakthrough in Chip-Scale UV Light Efficiency

Harvard Researchers Achieve Breakthrough in Chip-Scale UV Light Efficiency