AboutNicholas Unger Expertise I am particularly adept at answering any sort of question relating to the action of various neurotransmitters on neurons. Any sort of Neurophysiology/Cell Physiology or Neuropharmacology questions, particularly ion channel based in relation to physiological response. Anything other than that will earn you an educated guess.
Experience I have worked in a Neurophysiology lab for 3 years now on various projects for my dissertation. My expertise is the hypothalamic homeostatic control mechanisms in thermoregulation. Also neural control mechanisms in general as well as Suspended Animation techniques and theory.
Organizations American Physiology Society
Education/Credentials Capital Univeristy- B.A Biology-premed Minor Psychology 06'
The Ohio State University - Ph.D Candidate Biophysics 10'
Expert: Nicholas Unger Date: 6/30/2008 Subject: Electric brain charge
Question QUESTION: The law of conservation of energy states, of course, energy can neither be created nor destroyed.
I have read that the brain changes nutrients to electrical energy.
Given this, what happens to the energy at the point of death. I can see that nutrients would no longer be converted to electric energy- but what of the energy that is being used at point of death? Does it changed to another form of energy? I would think it would have to since energy can't be destroyed.
Thanks!
ANSWER: Chris,
Very good! I like this question. First let me begin by saying that the energy stems from the Phosphate bonds in ATP being destroyed, and that this answer is extremely variable by the method of death. When "you" die many of your cells are still living and utilizing energy. In the end most of your energy would be released as heat as the tiny bacteria stored in your body will run amuck converting your body into it's nutrients and creating heat and gases.
Thanks!
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Wow, that was quick. Thanks for the prompt response.
So, the electrical energy turns to heat energy. Would this be equivalent to say, a lightning bolt. After the physical manifestation of it's energy (the actual bolt) is gone, the energy still remains in the atmosphere?
Further, wouldn't this be proof of life post-mortem. Not as far as the concept of "soul", but that the energy which was utilized by the body would radiate out at time of death in the form of heat to be utilized for other purposes.
Post-mortem our bodies are really just "fertilizer", so I guess there would be a source of energy conversion as well.
Thanks!
Answer Chris,
Well of course, even an athiest would agree that this is the case. Your bodies energy would always live on in one form or another. I suppose it would be like a lightning bolt. Also keep in mind that scientist postulate 10 dimensions...so who knows really?
