JNDS, Volume 7, Number 4

Article presenting commentary on a neurobiological model proposed by Juan C. Saavedra-Aguilar and Juan S. Gómez-Jeria, which discusses the clinical similarities between temporal lobe seizures and near-death experiences (NDEs). Dr. Morse presents notes regarding his own research with colleagues based on similarities with various neurotransmitters

JNDS, Volume 16, Number 1

Abstract: Karl Jansen raises a fundamental and exciting question: Is humankind's consciousness the result of neuronal function, or are there extracerebral aspects as well? While his neurotransmitter model of near-death experiences (NDEs) is well described, I find his supporting evidence weak. Methodological differences between studies of ketamine hallucinations and near-death experiences (NDEs) raise doubts about how similar those experiences are phenomenologically. While Jansen's model has electrifying implications, the data required to support his conclusions do not yet exist

JNDS, Volume 12, Number 2

Letter from Melvin L. Morse to the editor of the Journal of Near-Death Studies on the topic "Review of Transformed by the Light and the Progress of Research.

Commentary on Jansen’s paper

Here comes Jansen, who has the courage to say that there is overwhelming evidence that mind results from neuronal activity; but it is frustrating to realize that most of the references he cites are suspect. This then is the challenge for near-death research. We must start to generate data worthy of the questions we are attempting to answer. Theorists like Jansen need clinical researchers like Raymond Moody and Kenneth Ring; this is the beginning of a dialogue that will blossom into something truly valuable

JNDS, Volume 14, Number 3

Letter from Melvin L. Morse to editor discussing the influence of Kenneth Ring's work on his own work and research

JNDS, Volume 8, Number 1

Abstract: Prior hypotheses as to the etiology of near-death experiences (NDEs) have been limited to psychiatric explanations or brief discussions of endorphins as causative agents. We present a neurophysiological explanation for NDEs based on their similarities with lysergic acid-, ketamine-, and hypercampnia-induced hallucinations. We believe the core NDE is genetically imprinted and triggered by serotonergic mechanisms

Gastric Microbial Flora in Patients with Gastrointestinal Disease

We designed a prospective study to test the hypothesis that the stomach may be a bacterial reservoir in some patients and function as a potential source of aspiration-induced bacterial pneumonia. Quantitative cultures of fasting gastric contents were obtained in 100 consecutive patients having fiberoptic endoscopy for evaluation of gastrointestinal disease. Culture results were correlated with gastric pH and gastrointestinal pathology. Patients with gastric ulcer disease had a significantly higher incidence of bacterial growth than those with duodenal ulcer. Patients who had had gastrectomy were more likely than any others to have gram-negative bacilli in their stomach. A somewhat high frequency of other common pneumonic pathogens in gastric contents was also noted. The significance of these findings in the production of pneumonia in the elderly is discussed