In 2016, diplomats at the American embassy in Cuba began suffering weird neurological symptoms after hearing strange noises. Some say it was a sonic attack using a secret weapon, but the Havana Syndrome remains a baffling scientific mystery to this day.
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04/06/21 • 41 min
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Stuff You Should Know - Havana Syndrome: ¿Qué Diablos?
Transcript Summary
In this captivating episode titled "Havana Syndrome: ¿Qué Diablos?," you'll dive into the perplexing medical mystery that plagued US diplomats in Cuba. With symptoms ranging from ear pain and headaches to hearing loss and vertigo, the initial speculation of an acoustic attack was dismissed by the FBI due to lack of evidence. Despite the State Department's initial silence, they later expelled Cuban diplomats. The National Academy of Science investigated the matter, ruling out a sonic attack and proposing two possible sound-based methods of attack: infrasound and ultrasound. However, the root cause of Havana syndrome remains elusive. Join this episode to unravel a gripping tale of unexplained symptoms and unanswered questions, including theories of sonic attacks, pesticide poisoning, and psychogenic illness, as well as the incomplete investigations by the State Department and restricted data access for the National Academy of Sciences. Discover the fascinating "fry effect" and pulse microwaves' potential to create clicking sounds in the ears of targeted individuals. Prepare yourself for an intriguing exploration of a medical enigma.
Transcript
Welcome to Stuff you Should Know, a production of I Heart Radio. Hey, and welcome to the podcast. I'm Josh Clark, and there's Charles W Chuck Bryant, and Um. I think Dave's around somewhere sitting in for Jerry. Who's Can we say where Jerry is, Chuck, I don't think we can yet, but it's pretty cool. Okay, Yeah, Jerry's on He's on a cool field trip. That's for Uh. That's none you Okay, you ever say that when you were a little No, I had it said to m
Havana Syndrome: ¿Qué Diablos? Top Questions Answered
What is Havana syndrome?
Havana syndrome is a mysterious illness that affected US diplomats in Cuba, causing symptoms such as ear pain, headaches, hearing loss, vertigo, and fatigue.
What are the possible explanations for Havana syndrome?
Experts have proposed various explanations for Havana syndrome, including a sonic attack, pesticide poisoning, or mass hysteria.
Did the FBI find evidence of an acoustic attack in the Havana syndrome case?
No, the FBI did not find evidence of an acoustic attack in the Havana syndrome case.
How did Congress find out about the Havana syndrome?
Congress found out about the Havana syndrome when the media reported it, as the State Department had kept the issue quiet.
What did the National Academy of Sciences conclude about the Havana syndrome?
The National Academy of Sciences concluded that it was not a sonic attack or mass hysteria, but identified directed pulse radio frequency energy as the most likely cause.
What are the symptoms of Havana syndrome?
The symptoms of Havana syndrome include ear pain, headaches, hearing loss, vertigo, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, blurred vision, nosebleeds, and fatigue.
Can sound waves below human hearing cause vertigo and loss of bowel control?
Yes, sound waves below human hearing (infrasound) have the potential to cause symptoms like vertigo and loss of bowel control, but noticeable equipment would be required.
Can ultrasound hurt hearing?
Ultrasound can hurt hearing, but it wouldn't cause other symptoms like concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
Did the National Academy of Sciences investigate the Havana syndrome?
Yes, the National Academy of Sciences investigated the Havana syndrome, focusing on potential causes such as viral attack, pesticide poisoning, microwaves, and mass hysteria.
What is the Fry Effect?
The "Fry Effect" refers to the phenomenon where pulsed microwaves directed at a target can produce a clicking sound only audible to the person.
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