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death

·August 16, 2024·3 min read

Why Are We Drawn to Events Focused on Death and Disaster?

Researchers have developed a new framework to understand why people are fascinated by events centered around themes of death, disaster, and suffering. These "dark events" include everything from historical commemorations to cultural festivals and horror experiences. The study highlights six key concepts that shape our attraction to these events, such as commercialization, public engagement, and the symbolic presence of death. Understanding these factors could offer deeper insights into societal behavior and collective memory.

Electrophysiology Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 30, 2024·6 min read

Brain Activity in Dying Patients Does Not Indicate Consciousness

A recent study found increased brain activity in two dying patients, but it does not indicate consciousness. The research revealed gamma wave bursts in comatose patients with epilepsy, but no evidence these were tied to conscious experiences.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 2, 2024·4 min read

How Shows About Death Help Us Cope With Mortality

Exposure to death through media, such as films and series, can enhance one's ability to cope with the concept of death. Participants who were prompted to think about death before watching meaningful scenes from films like Me Before You or series such as House and Grey's Anatomy, showed a greater acceptance of death compared to those who did not engage in pre-viewing reflection.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·December 13, 2023·6 min read

Tracking Brain’s “Wave of Death”: New Insights into Neural End-of-Life

Researchers have made significant strides in understanding the neurological process of dying. Their study reveals that during anoxia, or oxygen deprivation, the brain undergoes a series of changes, including a massive release of glutamate and a surge in gamma and beta waves, potentially linked to near-death experiences. This is followed by a 'wave of death' - a high-amplitude wave marking the transition towards total cessation of brain activity.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 26, 2023·5 min read

Redefining Death: The Push to Update the U.S. Death Act

A new survey reveals that 83% of 41 influential organizations support revisions to the U.S. Uniform Determination of Death Act. The act, defining death as either the irreversible cessation of brain or cardiopulmonary functions, is now under scrutiny.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 24, 2022·4 min read

Psychedelics May Lessen Fear of Death and Dying, Similar to Feelings Reported by Those Who’ve Had Near Death Experiences

Both those who experienced a natural near-death experience and those who had a near-death experience while taking psychedelics report less fear of death and a lasting, spiritual positive experience.

This shows a statue of a hand holding a rose

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 15, 2022·5 min read

Losing a Grandmother May Trigger Rise in Depression for Some of Her Survivors

For up to 7 years following the death of a grandmother, adolescent males show a 50% increase in depression symptoms than their non-grieving peers. Mothers of girls were also at increased risk of depression.

This shows a long road stretching off into the sunset

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 7, 2022·4 min read

Recalled Experiences Surrounding Death: More Than Hallucinations?

Due to advances in resuscitation and critical care, many people are surviving near-death experiences. Survivors' recalled experiences are not consistent with hallucinations, but instead, follow a specific narrative arc involving perception.

This shows the outline of a person in clouds with a bright shining orb of light in his chest

Featured Neuroscience

·March 6, 2022·5 min read

Death: How Long Are We Conscious for and Does Life Really Flash Before Our Eyes?

Researchers explore what happens in the brain in the moments before death and question whether our lives flash before our eyes during the final seconds of life.

This shows an old man walking up a staircase surrounded by thick clouds

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 22, 2022·4 min read

What Happens in Our Brain When We Die?

A new study reveals brain oscillations associated with memory retrieval alter in the moments before death, suggesting the brain may replay significant life events just before we die.