Dear Dr. Dean:

I have a discussion of my immune system project under scientific research on this site.

In brief, we know that various personality styles are associated with certain immune profiles. Considerable research has shown that just being a happy optimist person has a characterisitic immune profile. Writing down your thoughts in a journal, or writing about your life traumas can also effect your immune system.

It is not unreasonable to suppose that people who have had an NDE will have a characteristic immune profile.

I love this study, because it can appeal to anyone interested in near death studies. It is not necessary to involve a "God", or "spiritual light" as part of the equation, my initial study is simply focused on looking at an immune system indicator for NDEs.

Other exciting studies are also in the works. Colm Callahan, at the National Institute of Discovery Science has proposed a mechanism by which a spiritual light or "god" could interact with our DNA, and has specified precisely how that could occur, and how it could be scientifically tested.

Back to the immune study: If such a profile was found, it would have many applications. Just reading this message board will give you the idea. We could study people before and after spiritual experiences. We could study ketamine, electrical stimulation of the temporal lobe, LSD, and prayer, and see if they have similar effects. Many people wonder if they have had an NDE. We could do a simple blood test and perhaps find out.

Also, you asked questions on Dannion's bed. The group in Texas you referred to, I was under the impression was no longer still using it. Although Dannion often refers to it as a machine , it is actually a method of inducing the hypnagognic state. You can induce that state yourself quite easily, but if you are not a do-it your selfer, Dannion is a good resource.

I have emailed the various people I know who are doing work with the bed and the Psychomanteum to help people contact dead loved ones, and couldn't find anyone who is actively doing that work at this time.

Does anyone know any different? Grieving parents would love to know.

Melvin Morse