our dualist brains

the out-of-body experience has now been linked to the temporoparietal junction (tpj), a small area behind the ear. this supernatural phenomenon was induced in the lab by tpj activation, and was prevented by temporarily arresting tpj activity. results suggest that this area helps define the self:

These results suggest that the TPJ is a crucial structure for the conscious experience of the normal self, mediating spatial unity of self and body, and also suggest that impaired processing at the TPJ may lead to pathological selves such as OBEs.

this study indicates that a brain center is required for unity of mind and body, and that the tpj is it.

sorry descartes, it wasn't the pineal gland after all!

Labels: neuroscience