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Kate Bush's Sonic Weapon

Curious Cases Rutherford and Fry

Can sound kill? This question was inspired by Experiment IV by Kate Bush, a song about scientists developing a lethal sonic weapon. But would it work in practice?

"It started while listening to the excellent Experiment IV by Kate Bush. The premise of the song is of a band who secretly work for the military to create a 'sound that could kill someone'. Is it scientifically possible to do this?" asks Paul Goodfield.

Hannah consults acoustic engineer Trevor Cox to ask if sonic weapons could kill. And Adam delves into subsonic frequencies with parapsychologist Chris French to investigate their spooky effects.

You can send your everyday mysteries for the team to investigate to: curiouscases@bbc.co.uk

Presenters: Adam Rutherford, Hannah Fry
Producer: Michelle Martin.

Available now

21 minutes

Last on

Fri 16 Jun 2017 12:04
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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