Scientist Seeks to Learn Why Some People Are Able to Hear a Silent GIF of Power Lines Jumping Rope

Power Lines Jumping Rope

Scottish scientist Lisa DeBruine posted a silent (and very clever) animated GIF created by Happy Toast in which three giant power lines appear to be playing a game of jump rope. In doing so, DeBruine posed a very good question, why do some people hear a thud or boom when the jump is completed despite the fact that the video is absolutely silent? A number of ideas were put out there including acoustic reflex, memory triggers, the brain resorting to previous experience when unable to resolve the issue at hand. The list goes on, but the conversation is fascinating.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.

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