You're listening to shortwave from NPR.

Heather Shortwavers, Erin Scott here, and I'm curious, have you ever had an out-of-body

experience?

Because I'm having a little bit of one myself right now being back here in the host

chair.

Like, it just doesn't seem real.

Well, I'd say it, Erin, but I'm not sure scientists would consider that a real out-of-body

experience.

Unless you're feeling like you're actually floating above your body or seeing yourself

in the world from a location outside of your body.

Okay, John Hamilton.

I know your NPR's brain expert, but that doesn't mean you have to go science-ing on my parade.

Dude, I science-on-everybody's parade, it's my job.

Wait a minute, though.

Are you actually saying that there are scientists researching out-of-body experiences?

Well, yeah, there really are.

I mean, scientists have known for a long time that different things can cause that perception,

you know, the near-death, psychological trauma, certain mental health disorders.

And of course, you can have these experiences from drugs like ketamine or psilocybin.

What has been a mystery, though, is what's really going on in your brain when you feel separated

from your body.

And now, it looks like scientists are beginning to figure that out.

...