Journey to unlock 'out of body' mysteries

BBC News Online

In September, medical teams at 25 hospitals across the world revealed they were undertaking the largest study of its kind into near death experiences (NDE).

Researchers want to know if there is any truth in so called "out-of-body" incidents reported by gravely ill people.

One of the hospitals taking part in the research is Morriston Hospital in Swansea, where Dr Penny Sartori has become a leading expert on the phenomenon.

She gives her own personal insight into why the research is so important - and the impact it has had on her own life...

"...In June 2008 my book, an academic monograph, The Near-Death Experiences of Hospitalized Intensive care Patients: A Five Year Clinical Study was published by The Edwin Mellen Press. The reason that I chose to publish an academic book is because I believe these experiences need to be taken seriously..."
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Death and associated phenomena

Ian Punnett on US radio show, Coast to Coast held an in depth interview with neuropsychiatrist Dr. Peter Fenwick about his new book, 'The Art of Dying' which examines death and the dying process.

According to Fenwick, the dying receive visitations from deceased loved ones within the last two weeks of life. This experience is common among those who believe in afterlife experiences and those who do not, he said. As evidence, Fenwick shared an anecdote about a non-believing mother who received a visitation from her dead husband. Deathbed visions appear to be part of the death process itself, he explained. Fenwick also talked about how culture may influence the form of the person seen by those near death, noting that 25% of people in his UK study had their mothers or fathers come to 'collect' them.

Study into near-death experiences

BBC News

A large study is to examine near-death experiences in cardiac arrest patients.

Doctors at 25 UK and US hospitals will study 1,500 survivors to see if people with no heartbeat or brain activity can have "out of body" experiences.

Some people report seeing a tunnel or bright light, others recall looking down from the ceiling at medical staff.

The study, due to take three years and co-ordinated by Southampton University, will include placing on shelves images that could only be seen from above.

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I think this a a hugely important study and excellent that it's getting so much exposure. Among the other mainstream UK papers reporting it are The Independent and The Mail Online Follow the links to read the full articles.


Related Websites:

Consciousness Research Group - University of Southampton

The International Association for Near-Death Studies

Scientific and Medical Network
The Scientific and Medical Network is an interdisciplinary forum and educational charity exploring the interface of science, medicine and spirituality.

Life after Life - The official online presence of Dr Raymond A. Moody
World-Renowned Scholar and Researcher. Dr. Moody is the leading authority on the 'near-death experience'—a phrase he coined in the late seventies. Dr. Moody's research into the phenomenon of near-death experience had its start in the 1960's.

Into the Light - Dr Melvin Morse
Melvin Morse MD, a pediatrician and neuroscientist, presents his many years of research on children's Near Death Experiences

Recommended Reading:

What Happens When We Die by Dr Sam Parnia
Life After Life by Raymond Moody
Embraced by the Light by Betty Eadie
The Truth in the Light by Peter & Elizabeth Fenwick