Scientists to unravel mystery of near-death experiences

London, Sept 19 (PTI) A global study has been launched to demystify death, with an
examination of near-death experiences in cardiac arrest patients.

The study, which plans to study 1,500 survivors, is being co-ordinated by UK's
Southampton University and will involve 25 British and US hospitals.

The research, expected to take at least three years, will analyse whether people
with no heartbeat or brain activity can have "out of body" experiences.

The scientists have set up special shelving in resuscitation areas. The shelves hold
pictures - but they're visible only from above. They will examine the brain activity
of cardiac arrest survivors, and see whether they can recall the images in the
pictures.

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

"If you can demonstrate that consciousness continues after the brain switches off,
it allows for the possibility that the consciousness is a separate entity," Dr Sam
Parnia, who is heading the study, was quoted as saying by the BBC online.

Parnia said contrary to popular perception, "death is not a specific moment".

"What people experience during this period of cardiac arrest provides a unique
window of understanding into what we are all likely to experience during the dying
process," he said.