From: Greg Boone <Evolbaby.nul>
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 2004 11:41:05 EST
Fwd Date: Thu, 09 Dec 2004 13:01:09 -0500
Subject: Re: Magnetism Does Not Cause Paranormal


>Source: News-Medical.Net...

>http://www.news-medical.net/?id=6732

>12-007-04


>Magnetism Does Not Cause Paranormal Experiences

>Previous research has shown that paranormal experiences can be
>achieved via electromagnetic stimulation of the temple lobe. Now
>scientists from Uppsala and Lund universities in Sweden are
>calling into question how the experiments were set up and
>therefore questioning the results. Their study involving
>identical magnetic field equipment produced no such
>relationship.

<snip>

>In a joint project, researchers from Uppsala and Lund
>University, Sweden, performed a double-blind experiment to test
>if results from previous studies could be reproduced.
>Approximately 90 undergraduate students in theology and
>psychology participated in the study. The magnetic field
>apparatus utilized was identical to that used in previous
>studies. Results showed that the magnetic fields did not cause
>religious or paranormal experiences. However, highly suggestible
>individuals had paranormal experiences to a larger extent, but
>this had nothing to do with the magnetic fields.

<snip>

>http://www.uu.se/

Okaaaaay...

Now we've a study that invalidates the widely publicized 'magnet
hat' experiments. In addition we have the conclusions of the
late Dr. Mack that demolished the notion that abductees, in
general, suffered from some pathological source. That was one of
his conclusions.

So now it appears through real science that the nullification of
previous experiments and assumptions put to rest the 'duh'
factor.

Although I think Susan Blackmore is a babe, her presentations
bothered me as they came across as curt and lack objectivity.
She's super smart and I don't know what her latest conclusions
are so I'll have to brush up on her latest research.

I'm sure the public will be happy to hear that belief in God and
the Spirit don't categorize them as a candidate for a rubber
room, especially if members of the Christian Right who have tons
of money and won't get picked up with a giant butterfly net.

Perhaps this latest study will get out to the mainstream and let
the folks out there who have encountered the paranormal and can
then have peace of mind.

Which makes me think if the word paranormal is really
applicable. What's outside the norm in one point of history is
normal in another. Those old Biblical and other religious
stories of old may well be true, just that nowadays we've
replaced ghost with 'photonic intelligences' and angels with
'ETs' and miracles with 'mind over matter'.


Best,

Greg