

Happenings Newsletter
24Q4V1
December 2024
Dr. Jeffrey Long

I’ve recently begun a new research project focused on studying near-death experiences (NDEs) that occur during surgery under general anesthesia. These NDEs are typically triggered by a cardiac event, such as the heart stopping. Since heart function is carefully monitored during general anesthesia, these cases are often very well-documented in terms of the life-threatening events involved.
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Many NDE accounts include vivid descriptions of the operating room staff’s frantic efforts to resuscitate the patient at the onset of the experience. This makes these cases particularly compelling. Under general anesthesia, patients are not expected to have any organized experiences, and when the heart stops, brain activity (as measured by an EEG, or electroencephalogram) typically ceases within 10 to 20 seconds. Yet, these patients often report out-of-body experiences (OBEs) early in their NDEs, observing events from a perspective outside their bodies. These factors make NDEs under general anesthesia one of the most evidential categories of near-death experiences.
I aim to gather data from over 60 NDEs that occurred under general anesthesia, which would make this the largest study of its kind to date. Interestingly, I’ve discovered that artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT cannot yet reliably identify NDEs under general anesthesia from large datasets of NDE narratives. While AI will undoubtedly play an important role in NDE research in the future, for now, there is no substitute for the careful, manual review of NDE accounts.
Stay tuned for updates as this important research progresses!
- Jeff
Jody Long
A Season of Peace, A Year of Harmony
The holiday season brings a unique magic—a time when we gather with friends, family, and even strangers, sharing moments of good cheer. It’s a time when we set aside our differences or embrace our diversity, creating something truly beautiful and tangible: the warmth of love, the promise of hope, the blessings of belonging, and the quiet power of peace. This goodwill lingers, uplifting us for weeks or even months.
But why does this spirit seem reserved for just a season? What if we carried it with us throughout the year? What kind of New Year's resolution could transform this fleeting harmony into a lasting way of life? Perhaps it begins with small, intentional acts: choosing understanding over division, extending kindness in unexpected moments, and celebrating the rich tapestry of human connection every day.
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Let this year be one where we aspire to make peace and harmony not just seasonal traditions, but enduring principles that shape our world. After all, the spirit of the season is not confined to a calendar—it’s a choice we can make every day.

NDERF Spotlight: Volunteer - Robert Wang
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We're thrilled to announce exciting new features for the NDERF search engine! While many of our near-death experiences are translated in over 30 languages, all experiences are now translated into 18 languages, making NDE testimonials accessible to an even wider audience. As an example, you can visit https://search.nderf.org/es/ for the Spanish version of the website or you can select a language in the menu-bar at the top.
We’re currently working on streamlining the process for accepting and publishing new experiences. Our dedicated volunteer, Robert Wang, has been driving forward developments on the new search capabilities in his free time over the last year. He has 25+ years working in the tech industry in San Francisco, New York, and most recently based out of Hong Kong. He’s been an avid reader on NDERF for a few years and is excited about leveraging technology (most recently AI) to make it easier for readers to explore the incredible diversity (as well as uncanny commonality) across documented NDE experiences. We are fortunate to have him.
NDERF Book Review
by Diane Dobry ED.D.
After what?
The title of this book—After—according to the author, was not only chosen to indicate that it discusses what happens to people after death (as reported by near death experiencers), but also what happens to them in this life after going through an NDE (near death experience). While the book refers to many different types of NDEs experienced by his research participants, it also looks at issues about their lives on earth, before and after their NDEs. Dr. Greyson specifically wants readers to know about the NDE effects from both sides of the veil.
How Likely is it to Have an NDE?
As Dr. Greyson explains in this book, NDEs are common and can happen to anyone. Approximately 5% of the entire world population reports having had an NDE, though he
