One of humanity’s oldest questions remains unanswered: What happens after we die?
A recent scientific study may bring us closer to an answer, according to the Daily Mail.
Researchers spoke with 48 survivors of near-death experiences (NDEs), asking them not only to describe but also to sketch what they witnessed in their final moments.
A new study—yet to undergo peer review—offers a glimpse into what people report seeing beyond life.
The research, detailed in a paper awaiting formal review, documents a wide range of near-death experiences, from divine encounters to surreal, otherworldly journeys.
Some participants described meeting heavenly beings or religious figures, including Jesus and God. One recalled, “There were stone stairs on the left in front of me, and Jesus was toward the top, wearing a white robe.” Another said, “God appeared as a great light in the distance.”
Others reported experiences that went beyond conventional religious imagery. One described a “black hole,” while another envisioned a cosmic “matrix” composed of “many grid points, all connecting in multiple dimensions.”
A new study—yet to undergo peer review—offers a glimpse into what people report seeing beyond life.
The research, detailed in a paper awaiting formal review, documents a wide range of near-death experiences, from divine encounters to surreal, otherworldly journeys.
Some participants described meeting heavenly beings or religious figures, including Jesus and God. One recalled, “There were stone stairs on the left in front of me, and Jesus was toward the top, wearing a white robe.” Another said, “God appeared as a great light in the distance.”
Others reported experiences that went beyond conventional religious imagery. One described a “black hole,” while another envisioned a cosmic “matrix” composed of “many grid points, all connecting in multiple dimensions.”
Some participants described seeing heavenly beings or religious figures, including Jesus and God.
Despite the variety of experiences, many near-death experiences (NDEs) shared recurring themes: tunnels, bright lights, staircases, reunions with loved ones, and sometimes cosmic or geometric patterns.
Researchers identified four distinct “spatial types” in these visions.
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A-shapes involved narrow, tunnel-like perceptions, possibly linked to reduced blood flow in the brain.
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B- and C-shapes occurred in elliptical or arch-like spaces, likely triggered when half of the visual field is temporarily lost.
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C5-shapes, the most complex, appeared within a full 360-degree “ellipsoidal enclosure.” Participants typically progressed from an A-shape to a C5-shape as their NDE unfolded, suggesting a common physical origin.
Importantly, researchers emphasize that these findings do not indicate the presence of a soul or consciousness separate from the body. Instead, the experiences may reflect the brain’s final efforts to interpret fading sensory input.
From angelic staircases and divine figures to cosmic matrices and black holes, the study underscores the deeply personal and highly varied nature of near-death experiences.
While this research focuses on the visions themselves, another recent study examined what happens after people return from an NDE.
Researchers at the University of Virginia (UVA) found that roughly 15% of severely ill patients report having an NDE, which may include out-of-body sensations, reunions with deceased loved ones, or a profound sense of peace.
To explore the aftermath, UVA scientists surveyed 167 people who had experienced such events. Their findings, published in Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice, reveal that the consequences of NDEs can be as transformative as the experiences themselves.
Nearly 70% of participants reported major changes in their spiritual or religious beliefs, along with a reduced fear of death.
Yet the transformation sometimes came with challenges: over 20% reported relationship difficulties or divorces, and many described ongoing feelings of loneliness and isolation. One participant called their NDE a “double-edged sword”—an experience so profound it was difficult to share without fear of being misunderstood.
Some researchers suggest that these post-NDE effects may point to influences beyond purely biological explanations.
Lead author Dr. France Lerner of the Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications told the Daily Mail that cultural beliefs play a significant role in shaping what people experience during a near-death experience (NDE).
Dr. Jeffrey Long, a radiation oncologist in Kentucky and founder of the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation, has analyzed over 5,000 cases. Speaking to Business Insider, Long said he has found “overwhelming evidence” suggesting life after death.
According to Long, 45% of NDE survivors report out-of-body experiences, often describing themselves floating above their own bodies—sometimes later confirmed by witnesses.
Yet, he admits the mechanism remains a mystery. “I haven’t found any scientific explanation for these experiences,” Long said, noting the consistency of the reports. “I’ve reviewed brain research and considered every possible explanation for NDEs. The bottom line is that none of them holds water.”
Dr. Bruce Greyson, professor emeritus of psychiatry at the University of Virginia, concurs that near-death experiences are more common than many realize, occurring in 10% to 20% of people who come close to death—roughly 5% of the general population.
So whether you anticipate pearly gates, a blinding light, or a glimpse into another dimension, this world may not be the last thing you see before you leave it.
