Scientists believe they have found surprising evidence that suggests the ‘soul’ might leave the body at the time of death.
A recent study explored brain activity in patients who were clinically dead, and Dr. Stuart Hameroff, an anesthesiologist and professor at the University of Arizona, shared his thoughts on the findings.
To conduct the research, small sensors were placed on the brains of seven patients who were critically ill and had only minutes left to live.
These devices recorded the patients’ blood pressure and heart rate until both eventually dropped to zero. The results led to an unexpected discovery.
An electroencephalogram (EEG) picked up a strange burst of energy that appeared after the patients had died.
Hameroff discussed the findings with Project Unity, saying, “They saw everything go away, and then suddenly, there was this activity even when there was no blood pressure or heart rate.”
He explained that this could be linked to near-death experiences, or possibly, it could be the ‘soul’ leaving the body.
The professor believes this sudden activity could be the last sign of consciousness before a person completely passes away. “The point is, it suggests that consciousness is actually a very low-energy process,” he added.
He also noted that this phenomenon has been seen in studies before, though not in every case. “Around 50% of patients show this activity when measured,” he said.
The researchers suggested that the most likely reason for these energy bursts is the brain being deprived of oxygen.
In the documentary series Through the Wormhole on The Science Channel, Hameroff explained another possibility: “When the heart stops and blood flow stops, tiny structures in the brain called microtubules lose their quantum state.”
However, he argued that this quantum information is not destroyed. Instead, it spreads into the universe.
“If the patient is revived, this quantum information can return, and the person may describe having a near-death experience.”
“If the patient does not survive, this quantum information might continue to exist outside the body, possibly as what we call a soul.”
The researchers noted that this idea has brought comfort to many families who are dealing with loss. “Many grieving families find it reassuring to believe that something happens at the time of death,” they concluded.