Serious study of crop circle formations happened in the 1980's when the phenomena suddenly grew. By 1990 there were 700 reports in England - 300 in Wiltshire alone. Professional hoaxers, pensioners Doug and Dave confessed to making many of these circles. In some crop circles, microphones and recording equipment experience interference. BBC news had difficulty recording in a circle.
Some scientists believe the increase is due to the proliferation of radio masts and mobile phones.
Her interest in crop circle phenomena has been concerned with studies on physical and psychological effects on human beings and animals, a field of research in which she has worked closely with Diana Clift. Jim is an aeronautical and electrical engineer, formerly with the Aerospace Industry with special responsibilities for operational research and aerodynamics. He specialises in fluid dynamics and human computer interactions and their relationships with consciousness studies. The application of this work to the study of subtle energy fields and biofields has led to his interest in the crop circle phenomenon. He is currently a Senior Honorary Fellow at Hull University working on models of human consciousness.