perfidy

From a while back, Kathy linked to this interesting research from MIT. Apparently, the tin foil helmets believed by paranoics everywhere to block the signals from the government's mind control satellites actually attract the signals, not repel them. The MIT researchers discovered that,

[after testing] several hat designs, there was "a 30 db amplification at 2.6 Ghz and a 20 db amplification at 1.2 Ghz, regardless of the position of the antenna on the cranium."

..."the helmets amplify frequency bands that coincide with those allocated to the US government between 1.2 Ghz and 1.4 Ghz. According to the FCC, These bands are supposedly reserved for 'radio location' (ie, GPS), and other communications with satellites."

The researchers speculate that the government is behind the rumour that tinfoil hats protect people from invasive radio signals in order to encourage their use and therefore to enhance the effectiveness of their radio control program.

The author of the Register piece pointed out, though,

We're no experts, but the researchers did admit to using Reynolds brand aluminum foil, rather than the classic tin foil, and we wonder if this could have skewed the results. We wonder also if a tinfoil propeller beanie might scatter the signals more effectively than a plain hat, and offer this humble suggestion for the benefit of the paranoiac community until further testing is complete.

Looks like I will have to do some research into a more effective lining for my baseball cap. And my coworkers always wonder why I am never seen without my hat...