Khaberni - Many have experienced entering an old building or a dark basement, only to suddenly feel terror or unjustified tension, or a feeling that "there is something unnatural". This feeling is often explained by the presence of mysterious energy or even ghosts. However, a recent study suggests a completely different and more scientific explanation.
According to a report published by ScienceAlert, the reason might be due to a phenomenon known as "infrasound," or sub-audible sound waves, which are low-frequency sound waves that cannot be heard by the human ear, but they affect the body and the nervous system.
The study explains that these sound waves, which are less than 20 Hz, can easily travel through walls and objects, and are produced from many sources, such as old pipes, ventilation systems, or even natural vibrations.
In particular, in old buildings, these sources are more common, increasing the likelihood of exposure to these waves without realizing it.
An experiment reveals the hidden impact
In a scientific experiment, 36 participants underwent a music listening session in a closed room, unaware that "infrasound" waves were being played subtly.
The results showed that the participants who were exposed to these waves felt more tension and distress, and rated the music as sadder, even when it was quiet. Their cortisol levels, the stress hormone, also increased, indicating a real physical response.
Interestingly, people were unable to "hear" these waves, but their bodies responded to them. Here, the mind tries to explain this mysterious feeling.
If a person is in a place described as "haunted," then their brain may link this tension with the idea of something supernatural. However, the truth might just be a biological response to unseen stimuli.
An ancient survival instinct
Researchers believe this response may be linked to an ancient evolutionary mechanism, as some dangerous natural phenomena, such as earthquakes and storms, emit low-frequency waves.
Therefore, the human body may be programmed to feel anxious when exposed to these signals, even without a direct awareness of them, as a kind of early warning.
However, scientists emphasize that "infrasound" is not always harmful, as it naturally exists in the surrounding environment, from traffic to modern appliances. But its impact varies depending on the frequency and intensity of exposure.
In conclusion, according to the study, the feeling of terror in old places may not be related to supernatural factors, but to physical phenomena that are invisible but affect the body and mind.
The next time you feel "the place is haunted," you might want to first ask: "Is the problem with the ghosts… or with old pipes?" In the end, you may not need to flee, but just a "maintenance engineer".
