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You are here: Experts > Science > Neurosciences > Neuroscience > OBEs
Expert: Kai Schreiber
Date: 1/11/2008
Subject: OBEs
Question
Dear Kai,
I am looking into Out of Body Experiences and the literature seems to point to a disruption, or ‘multi-sensory dysfunction’ in the regions of the brain that deal with ‘self’:
‘…The neurological evidence shows that out of body experiences are related to a disintegration within personal space (multisensory dysfunction) and a disintegration between personal space (vestibular) and extrapersonal space (visual) due to interference with the temporo-parietal junction.
The explanation and studies I have looked at all seem to point to internal brain activity and do not in any way point to the idea that somehow thought/consciousness/perception can transcend the brain and physically travel outside the mind/body.
I heard of one lab study where a lady claimed she could induce OBEs and read the randomly generated numbers that were on top of a cupboard, suggesting that this is more than just internal processes. Apparently funding was then given to research to look into its military applications, particularly for espionage. Do you know of such a study? It’s obviously a key question to whether thought/consciousness/perception can exist outside the brain.
Many thanks
Edward
Answer
Hi Edward,
there have been a few studies recently that managed to recreate the feeling of stepping outside of ones body in a laboratory setting, suggesting that at least the brain has the capability of creating the sensation on its own, without any part of the mind actually venturing out in space. This, of course, does not prove at all, that such a transcendental even can not also occur.
But as for the study you mention, the recollection I have of what I heard of it, is that in fact this study was done, with the hidden display of random numbers, and no evidence emerged that anybody was able to see it.
Unfortunately, a cursory search for a reference didn't yield anything, so it's my word against your source. As arguments go, that's not a very good one.
Best,
Kai
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