(no subject)

Yes, say researchers Frederick Bonato and Andrea Bubka at Saint Peter's College and their colleagues, who recently observed a "sickening rug phenomenon." 

Looking at a picture of a black-and-white patterned rug for five minutes gave people "motion-sickness-like symptoms," reports a study in the journal Perception.

studies have shown that certain striped or checked patterns can also give the illusion of motion and leave people feeling seasick when seated and on level ground. These sorts of designs may also make folks feel tired or have eye strain.

And some repeating patterns have been known to cause visual distress and even seizures in epileptics, Bonato points out.
http://bodyodd.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/05/10312035-truly-sickening-decor-this-rug-can-make-you-seasick