Suspended Animation: Science Behind the ‘Magical’ Appearance
- JAKARTA – The phenomenon of near-death experiences (NDEs), including reports of seeing a white light or feeling detached from one's body, has long intrigued researchers.
- Recent studies propose a neurophysiological evolutionary psychology theory to explain NDEs.
- According to IFL Science, this triggers a cascade of events, increasing nerve stimulation in key brain areas, including the temporoparietal junction and occipital lobes.
Near-death Experiences: Scientists Explore the ‘Unseen’
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JAKARTA – The phenomenon of near-death experiences (NDEs), including reports of seeing a white light or feeling detached from one’s body, has long intrigued researchers.
Neurophysiological Theory
Recent studies propose a neurophysiological evolutionary psychology theory to explain NDEs. This theory suggests that NDEs occur when the brain experiences decreased oxygen levels and a surge in carbon dioxide, leading to cerebral acidosis.
According to IFL Science, this triggers a cascade of events, increasing nerve stimulation in key brain areas, including the temporoparietal junction and occipital lobes. This process is accompanied by a meaningful release of endogenous neurotransmitters.
Researchers suggest that the resulting increase in serotonin signals may contribute to visual hallucinations.Together, a surge in endorphin levels could induce a profound sense of peace, while a dopamine surge might trigger feelings of hyper-reality associated with the hallucinations.
NDE might potentially be part of the defense cascade triggered by neurophysiological responses to threats when fighting or fleeing is no longer possible.
Personal Account: Tessa Romero’s Experience
Tessa Romero, 50, of Spain, recounted her experience during a sudden heart attack when her heart stopped for 24 minutes. Medical personnel worked to revive her.
“I heard them talking about acute myocardial infarction and sudden heart attack. But there was no consensus.We will never know what really happened,” Romero told the Daily Mail.
Romero described feeling an overwhelming sense of peace during the event. She reported feeling no physical or emotional pain and even claimed to have floated outside her body.
“I can see people coming and going in the clinic, and I can see my two little daughters in the waiting room. I see people’s bodies lying there. It is confusing because I didn’t realize that I was dead,” she stated.
Romero, who initially doubted such phenomena, said the experience altered her perspective.
(AVK/NAF)
Near-Death Experiences: Scientists explore the ‘Unseen’
Are near-death experiences a real phenomenon?
Yes, near-death experiences (NDEs) are a recognized phenomenon that has intrigued researchers for a long time. They often involve reports of seeing a white light or feeling detached from one’s body.
What exactly is a near-death experience?
According to the provided article, a near-death experience is often associated with reports of seeing a bright light or feeling like you are outside of your body. These experiences typically occur under conditions were someone faces a serious threat.
What are scientists doing to understand NDEs?
Scientists are actively exploring the “unseen” through various research approaches. One of the primary focuses is understanding the neurophysiological and psychological elements that underlie NDEs.
What is the neurophysiological evolutionary psychology theory of NDEs?
This theory suggests that NDEs occur in the brain due to specific physiological changes when the brain experiences:
Decreased oxygen levels
A surge in carbon dioxide, leading to cerebral acidosis.
What happens in the brain during a near-death experience, according to the neurophysiological theory?
According to the neurophysiological theory:
It triggers a series of events in the brain.
This increases nerve stimulation in critical brain regions such as the temporoparietal junction and the occipital lobes.
The process is associated with the notable release of endogenous neurotransmitters.
How do neurotransmitters influence near-death experiences?
The article suggests the following neurotransmitter effects:
Serotonin: Increased serotonin could contribute to visual hallucinations.
Endorphins: A surge in endorphins could cause a profound sense of peace.
Dopamine: A surge in dopamine might trigger feelings of hyper-reality linked to these hallucinations.
Can you summarize the brain processes associated with NDEs, according to the theory?
| Brain Process | Effect |
| ———————————- | ——————————————————————————————————— |
| Decreased Oxygen & CO2 Surge | Cerebral Acidosis - triggers a cascade of neural events |
| Increased Nerve Stimulation | Primarily in temporoparietal junction and occipital lobes. |
| Neurotransmitter Release | Possible visual hallucinations (Serotonin), feelings of peace (Endorphins), hyper-reality (Dopamine) |
What other potential explanation is given for NDEs?
A quote from IFL Science suggests NDEs “might potentially be part of the defense cascade triggered by neurophysiological responses to threats when fighting or fleeing is no longer possible.”
Is there any personal account of a near-death experience mentioned in the article?
Yes, the article features a personal account from Tessa Romero, a 50-year-old from Spain.
What happened to Tessa Romero?
Tessa Romero experienced a