Can electromagnetism account for extra-sensory phenomena?

Abstract

OUR investigations of various alleged extra-sensory phenomena (ESP) over the past three years are reported here, in particular psychokinesis, metal-bending, psychic healing and dowsing. One of our aims was to search for unusual electromagnetic (EM) radiation emitted by subjects while they were achieving or trying to achieve the phenomena. The quest for EM concomitants of ESP is based on our deduction that it is the only known force that could conceivably be involved (ref. 1 and J.G.T. and E. Balanovski, unpublished). In looking for EM signals emitted by people during alleged ESP events we are therefore testing the reality of the corresponding phenomena. There might be no paranormal phenomena at all, so that a search for abnormal EM effects would automatically fail. If we assume that the present evidence for ESP is not firm either way, then its EM characteristics are highly relevant to resolving that problem. If no EM signal were found, this would question the reality of the phenomena whereas suitably strong EM signals would support the claim that ESP effects were occurring. This can be quantified if the sensitivity of subjects to incoming EM radiation is ascertained; for example, sensitivity at least down to the levels of any paranormal emission from others would be necessary for telepathy to occur. We find no abnormal EM signals during the occurrence of supposed ESP phenomena.