This guy 3D printed a whistle that makes ‘the most terrifying sound in the world’
Published on Sep 29, 2023 at 6:46 PM (UTC+4)
by Andie Reeves
Last updated on Sep 29, 2023 at 6:46 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
One of the worst sounds known to man is now able to be produced with the blow of a whistle.
Some scientists have used 3D printing to make life-changing prosthetic limbs.
Others have used it to make something called an Aztec Death Whistle.
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Back in 1999 archaeologists found a skeleton clutching an object.
At first, they thought it might be a toy.
A few years later one scientist wondered what would happen if he blew into it.
The sound that came out of it sounded exactly like a human scream, proving there was no way this thing was intended for children.
It came to be known as the Aztec Death Whistle.
Scientists reckon it was used by the Aztecs during battle to strike terror into the hearts of their enemies.
James Orgill from The Action Lab decided to recreate these ancient instruments using a resin printer.
Resin printers allow you to create objects with intricate details, and he produced four really impressive whistles.
Their design almost makes up for the awful noise they produce but the sound is so scary because it mimics a human scream perfectly.
In fact, during studies, people have not been able to tell the difference between the sound of the death whistle and an actual human scream.
“Scientists have analyzed human screams and found that humans scream differently depending on if they’re fearful, surprised or excited,” says Orgill.
“The most fearful screams that humans make have a peak right around the 1000 hertz range.”
Orgill has shown that an Aztec Death Whistle reaches 1000 hertz too.
You are also more likely to believe it’s an actual human scream when you can’t see the whistle.
His creations can achieve different sounds with different lip positions.
So you can choose between a rollercoaster-riding type of scream or one that would be appropriate in a horror movie depending on your mood.
Don’t make the mistake of listening to this with your volume turned up.
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Andie is a content writer from South Africa with a background in broadcasting and journalism. Starting her career in the glossy pages of Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire, Andie has a broad portfolio, covering everything from sustainability solutions to celebrity car collections. When not at her laptop Andie can be found sewing, recording her podcast, taking board games too seriously or road-tripping in her bright green Kia.
