Reproducing Anomalous Phenomena In The Lab | Experimental Psi-Research

In this interview, Dr. David Acunzo, from the Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia, talks with Natalia Vorontsova about his experimental research on hypnosis and anomalous psi phenomena. Dr. Acunzo stresses the importance of the scientific study of anomalous phenomena, which are largely ignored by mainstream science. He exemplifies true open-mindedness in science, demonstrating that one need not be a psi "believer," but rather a rigorous researcher searching for answers to difficult-to-explain psi cases. 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:27 Dr. Acunzo giving an overview of his work and research interests 00:07:46 The researcher's path to studying anomalous phenomena in a neuroimaging lab; at the edge of knowledge. 00:11:24 Experimental neuroimaging research of hypnosis: what, how, and why. 00:20:15 How do levels of brain activity under psychedelics compare to brain activity under hypnosis? 00:29:20 A case of burn blisters under hypnosis. Mind over matter and the placebo effect. 00:32:18 Past-life regression under hypnosis. Cases of the Reincarnation Type (CORT). Is reincarnation the most plausible explanation? 00:40:24 Metaphysical hypothesis of reality: consciousness or mental magma. 00:44:39 One of the most anomalous cases: the recovery of NDE memories under hypnosis. Where are memories stored? Does the mind function without brain activity? 00:51:50 How do metaphysical assumptions drive research models in science. Mechanistic approach not conducive to new ideas. 00:55:08 The mainstream view in neuroscience: Are we mere biorobots? What do neural correlates and spikes tell us? Mind vs. matter. 00:58:55 Dr. Acunzo’s experimental lab research: ESP, PK, induced after-death communication, presentiment, mediumship, terminal lucidity, OBEs, and reincarnation-like cases. 01:07:31 Key research questions that Dr. Acunzo's work aims to answer. Phenomenology, implications, and applications. 01:14:43 Why should science study anomalous phenomena: the context vs. the content. 01:21:05 Anomalous phenomena as metaphysical pointers: tough questions, limited answers. 01:26:36 What happens after death? Do we survive the death of our physical body? 01:30:30 Should a person or a machine determine if someone or something is conscious? Will we ever be able to measure consciousness and subjective experience? 01:36:58 The future of consciousness studies and lab research. Trends in science. 01:40:51 Advice for young scientists and students interested in anomalous phenomena. The most promising areas of research. New research opportunities: AI and upcoming neuroimaging technology. 01:47:29 Closing statements. Online resources and referenced literature: A book: "Parapsychology, the controversial science", by Richard Broughton. A book: https://www.routledge.com/The-Marquis-de-Puysegur-Artificial-Somnambulism-and-the-Discovery-of-the-Unconscious-Mind-Memoirs-to-Serve-the-History-and-Establishment-of-/Crabtree-Osei-Bonsu/p/book/9781032292465?srsltid=AfmBOormhDHM8pe5qb8AuI2FnmLrKUuQaQujo5VXO3lIFEKssWn0R3XR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvoT_05JgbE&t=2912s https://www.newswise.com/users/expert/David-J.-Acunzo-10053065 https://braininstitute.virginia.edu/news/meet-david-acunzo-assistant-professor-division-perceptual-studies https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Steven-Lynn Interview content copyright by Essentia Foundation, 2025 www.essentiafoundation.org