Near-Death Experience Maps Reveal a Striking Link Between Recalled Geometry and Color, Study of 50 People Finds

A study of 50 people who reported near-death experiences used guided online sessions and geometric pictograms to map the spaces they remembered, including their position, movement, and perceived colors. Researchers identified four recurring spatial forms: conical spaces such as tunnels, broad curved spaces, flatter curved spaces, and enclosing spherical or oval spaces. The clearest association involved shape and color: 22 of 28 conical spaces were achromatic, while 27 of 31 broad curved spaces were described in color. The authors suggest possible parallels with tunnel vision, reduced color sensitivity in low light, and the Ganzfeld effect, but emphasize that these comparisons do not establish causes or mechanisms. The findings are limited by the small, self-selected sample, potentially leading pictograms, guided reconstruction, and reliance on old memories. A control group would be needed to determine whether the patterns are specific to near-death experiences.