MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Re: Can the body intercept communication broadcasts?

Area: Physics
Posted By: John Dreher, Staff Astronomy, SETI Institute
Date: Sat Aug 16 21:26:56 1997
Area of science: Physics
ID: 871166176.Ph
Message:
Well, I have read of cases where individuals pick up radio broadcasts
in their teeth.  This can only occur in the presence of a very
strong signal with AM modulation (such as might occur near a
powerful AM radio station transmitting antenna).  What happens is
that a filling may, just by chance, have electrical properties
that allow it to rectify the radio signal, and this simple
process is all it takes to get the audio signal off of the radio
carrier.  Indeed, that is exactly why the first-used, and still
popular radio broadcasts where all AM modulated -- a simple crystal
(which acts as a diode) provides a very simple cheap receiver.
Maybe one of your fillings is doing the same thing.  I seem to remember
that in some other cases, individuals have been able to 'hear' strong
radio signals through some other, obscure process in the ear system.
So if you live near a strong transmitter, this _might_ be your problem.
But I am no expert in these matters -- your physician might be able
to refer you to someone who knows a lot more about these effects.


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