Near-Death Experiences Essay -- Biology Essays Research Papers

Near-Death ExperiencesThe near-death experience further depicts the ongoing debate between science and religion. While the near-death experience is definitely biology-based, many individuals associate it with a ghostly phenomenon. A neurobiological model of the near-experience consists of a perception of separation from the body (1). One can sense moving through a dark stead or tunnel (2). Another feature is hallucinations such as God as light and angels (1). Some individuals also claim to hear noises at the setoff of the near-death experience and later encounter mystical states which are often peaceful (1). Near-death experiences can be described as an altered state of consciousness payable to neuronal activity (1). A dissociative drug, ketamine induces the near-death experience and profound religious experiences due to mechanisms at the mind-brain interface (1-McGuire et al., 1995). Near-death experiences arise from the a blockage of the neurotransmitter, glutamate, by N-methyl -D-aspartate receptors (1). A surge of glutamate, which overactivates N-met...