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Diplomats and other victims of mysterious "sonic attacks" at the American embassy in Havana, Cuba are experiencing neurological symptoms months after being affected:
A preliminary case report on the victims of mysterious "health attacks" in Havana, Cuba details the results of extensive clinical evaluations, concluding that the individuals appear to have sustained "injury to widespread brain networks without an associated history of head trauma."
The report offers the first medical glimpse of the victims—US government personnel and their families who were serving on diplomatic assignment in Havana. From late 2016 to August 2017, they reported experiencing bizarre and inexplicable sonic and sensory episodes. The episodes tended to include directional, irritating sounds, such as buzzing and piercing squeals, as well as pressure and vibrations. Afterward, the victims developed a constellation of neurological symptoms.
In clinical evaluations of 21 of 24 individuals affected, an interdisciplinary team of doctors at University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine retrospectively pieced together symptoms—an average of 203 days after individuals were exposed. They found that the most common issues persisting more than three months after exposure were cognitive impairment (17/21); balance issues (15/21); visual (18/21) and hearing (15/21) problems; sleep impairment (18/21); and headaches (16/21).
Previously: U.S. State Department Pulls Employees From Cuba, Issues Travel Warning Due to "Sonic Attacks"
A 'Sonic Attack' on Diplomats in Cuba? These Scientists Doubt It
(Score: 2) by takyon on Saturday February 17 2018, @08:48PM (4 children)
Set it to "harsh silence" (>28 kHz).
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(Score: 1) by tftp on Saturday February 17 2018, @08:55PM
(Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday February 17 2018, @09:02PM (2 children)
The frequency response of monitor loudspeakers with ribbon tweeters extends to 50kHz, I'm sat right in front of a pair. Predominant research into ultrasound is as a treatment for brain injury [fusfoundation.org] not as a viable weapon. [wikipedia.org]
(Score: 2) by takyon on Saturday February 17 2018, @10:02PM (1 child)
Ultrasound might be safe for the brain, until you crank up the decibels.
See also transcranial direct current stimulation [wikipedia.org] vs. electroshock therapy [wikipedia.org].
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(Score: 1, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday February 17 2018, @10:33PM
This applies to all sound, some doesn't even require excessive replay level - Miley Cyrus songs for example.
You'd be aware if a product like this was in use. [argoasecurity.com] If you care to pull up a table of sound absorption coefficients and keep the inverse square law in mind, it should become apparent that something like this would not be effective operated from outside a building.