RIAP bulletin - Vol 06 No 4 - October-December 2000

Magazine Overview

Title: RIAP BULLETIN
Issue: Volume 6, Number 4
Date: October-December 2000
Publisher: Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP)
Country of Publication: UKRAINE
Language: English

Editorial: On the Quest for Tangible Evidence

The editorial, written by V. V. Rubtsov, addresses the special nature of this issue, which delves into the phenomenon of "alien abductions." Rubtsov notes that while abductions have become a significant part of ufology, they have largely remained outside the scope of serious scientific investigation. He contrasts the UFO problem, which has a "physical core" despite its psychosocial aspects, with the abduction problem, where the "physical core" is uncertain. Rubtsov emphasizes the need for effective help for victims of abductions, regardless of whether the experiences are purely psychological or involve a physical reality. He highlights a paper by Dr. Phillip S. Duke, Ph.D., which proposes a medical solution for abductees, focusing on the effectiveness of the treatment rather than the ontological status of the phenomenon. The editorial also touches upon the difficulty of finding tangible evidence and the potential for both physiological and psychological causes for trauma.

The "Russian Roswell": A Legend Under Examination

This extensive article by Y. N. Morozov investigates a legend from the late 19th century in the Stavropol province of Russia, often referred to as the "Russian Roswell." The legend describes the landing of a strange, arrowhead-shaped craft piloted by three dark-skinned beings who died shortly after, unable to breathe the local air. The craft was reportedly made of a silvery metal, and its parts were used by locals for household items.

1. Introduction

Morozov introduces the legend as a potentially significant event for ufology and aviation history, noting that its contents have not been verified by objective methods. He aims to extract as much information as possible from existing oral and folklore sources, acknowledging that conclusions will be tentative.

2. Variants of the Legend

The article details several variants of the legend:

• Variant A: Based on a letter from Ol'ga Vasilievna Maslennikova in 1957, recounting a story told by her landlord's father, who heard it from his own father. This variant describes three dark-skinned men emerging from a strange apparatus, dying from suffocation.
• Variant B: A personal communication from Mitrofan Vasilievich Karpenko, who heard the story from his father. This variant describes three men traversing the "sky frontier" in a machine of unknown design, covered in hair, and dying from difficulty breathing.
• Variant C: Derived from an anonymous article in the newspaper "Molodoy Leninets" (1965), which paraphrased a story told by engineer V. P. Burdakov, who heard it from Nikolay Pchelintsev, who heard it from a 110-year-old man. This variant mentions a ravine near Elbrus mountain as the landing site.
• Variant D: A letter from Mrs. Irina Danilova (1985) to a commission, recounting a story from her grandfather, Afanasiy Nikitich Pugach. This variant is the most comprehensive, describing three dark-skinned, thin visitors with breathing difficulties. It explains that locals avoided them due to illness and that the craft had parts made of silver-like metal, which were used for kitchen utensils and samovars. It also provides a reason why authorities were not informed (fear of investigation) and mentions a report sent to the Academy of Sciences that was likely lost due to war.

Morozov suggests Variant D is the most trustworthy due to its detailed explanations.

3. Analysis of the Legend

Morozov analyzes the legend's characteristics:

• Location: Vaguely specified as "Stavropol province" or "ravine near Elbrus mountain," pointing to the North Caucasus region.
• Atypical Folklore: The characters and plot are atypical of traditional folklore, lacking obvious artistic embellishment. The event is described rationally, without mythological or religious interpretation, unlike contemporary accounts of aerial phenomena.
• Dating: Based on the informants' ages and the terminology used, the event is tentatively dated to the last third of the 19th century, before the widespread understanding of "airplane." The lack of "airplane" identification and the description of the craft as a "machine of unknown design" suggest an origin prior to the aviation era.
• Terrestrial Aircraft: Airplanes were not yet built, and airships were not common in the region. A free balloon is considered, but the legend's description of the craft (arrowhead shape, metal parts) does not align with typical balloon characteristics.
• Pilots: Described as dark-skinned, human-like beings with breathing difficulties. Variant B mentions them being hairy and unclothed, a motif not supported by Variant D.
• Ufological Interpretation: The incident is considered "ufological" because the craft could not be identified, the plot resembles the Roswell crash (crashed UFOs, pilots perishing from suffocation), and some modern accounts include hairy humanoids emerging from UFOs.
• Independence from External Influence: The legend appears to have originated independently of American UFO reports, as Russian media references to the Aurora, Texas, incident only appeared in the late 1980s, long after the "Russian Roswell" legend was recorded.

4. Hypothesis of a Balloon with a Parachute

Valeriy Kukushkin proposes a hypothesis that the "vehicle" was a parachute with a basket separated from a balloon. He argues that the craft's design and the use of silvery metal for parts (like oxygen cylinders) suggest terrestrial, possibly military, aeronauts. He suggests the flight might have been a reconnaissance mission by Egyptians in 1839, blown off course, using oxygen cylinders, and eventually having to bale out with a parachute. The local people, witnessing only the landed parachute and basket, described it as a strange craft.

Morozov finds Kukushkin's hypothesis rational but unlikely, citing that oxygen cylinders were rarely used in 19th-century ballooning, parachute jumps were considered shows, and there's no evidence of Egyptian balloon use at that time. He also notes the improbability of three aeronauts using a single parachute.

5. Prospects of the Legend's Verification

Morozov concludes that definitive conclusions require more reliable sources, such as official documentary records or artifacts. However, practical searches have not been conducted due to the lack of precise location information. He discusses the potential locations for archives (regional archives, War Ministry, Ministry for Internal Affairs) but acknowledges the difficulty of finding information without a precise date.

He also mentions that the authors of the first paper on the "Russian Roswell" failed to find new information, and attempts to gather data from Kuban residents in the 1970s were largely unsuccessful. The article's reprinting in the South Caucasus region has also yielded no substantial responses. Despite the vague prospects, the story remains intriguing.

Physiologic Abnormalities in Abductees: Research Report

This section, authored by Phillip S. Duke, Ph.D., presents research on physiological issues experienced by individuals allegedly abducted by extraterrestrial aliens.

Introduction

Duke outlines that abductees often report chronic vitamin A deficiency, leading to nyctalopia (night blindness), which is not explained by diet alone. This deficiency is hypothesized to be caused by "implant-mediated vitamin A destruction." The report also notes evidence for steroid and sex hormonal deficiencies, possibly related to vitamin A deficiency or direct hormonal destruction. Additionally, salt craving and anesthetic difficulties have been reported, linked to low aldosterone levels (a hormone regulating salt loss) and potentially other hormonal imbalances.

Case Presentations

The report briefly presents four abductee cases, supporting the findings of non-dietary nyctalopia, low aldosterone, transient low adrenal glucocorticoid hormone, and low estrogen levels. A particularly significant case involved estrogen deficiency, which was resolved by adding carrots and vitamin E to the diet. Carrots provide vitamin A, and vitamin E, an antioxidant, spares vitamin A. This dietary intervention is suggested to potentially restore normal hormonal levels by facilitating steroidogenesis or counteracting implant-mediated destruction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the RIAP Bulletin demonstrates a commitment to investigating anomalous phenomena, even those on the fringes of scientific acceptance, such as alien abductions and historical mysteries like the "Russian Roswell." The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking evidence and rational explanations while acknowledging the potential for psychological factors. The publication of diverse articles, from historical legend analysis to medical research on abductees, reflects a broad approach to understanding anomalous phenomena. The institute's methodology emphasizes rigorous analysis, even when dealing with folklore and anecdotal evidence, and it encourages scientific investigation while remaining open to various theories. The inclusion of reader comments and acknowledgments suggests an engagement with the wider research community.

Title: RIAP Bulletin
Issue: Vol. 6, No. 4
Date: 2000
Publisher: RIAP
Country: Ukraine

This issue of the RIAP Bulletin delves into two primary areas: the physiological abnormalities observed in alleged alien abductees and a historical overview of state-directed UFO research in the former Soviet Union.

Physiological Abnormalities in Abductees

The lead article, authored by P.S. Duke, explores the physiological phenomena reported by alleged abductees, drawing on studies by Derrel Sims and personal interviews. A significant finding is that approximately 50% of abductees, and 90% of the female abductees in Sims' study, suffer from nyctalopia (night blindness). This condition, characterized by difficulty seeing in dim light, is typically caused by a vitamin A deficiency. However, the article notes that abductees often report adequate vitamin A intake, suggesting an alternative cause.

Furthermore, many abductees exhibit a compulsion to consume salty substances and have abnormal reactions to dental anesthetics. The author hypothesizes that these physiological issues may be linked to the presence of an extraterrestrial implant.

Visual Abnormalities and Vitamin A Deficiency

Nyctalopia is explained as a deficiency in vitamin A, which is crucial for producing retinene, a component of the visual cycle. Vitamin A is stored in the liver, and its depletion leads to night blindness. The article states that genetically determined vitamin A deficiency is lethal, and there are no known genetic vitamin A deficiencies. Despite adequate dietary intake of vitamin A and precursors, abductees may still experience nyctalopia. One case study of an abductee named Jane, who supplements her diet with vitamin A and cod liver oil, still suffers from nyctalopia, salt craving, and anesthetic problems.

Possible Mechanism of Vitamin A Deficiency

A proposed mechanism suggests that implants might fluoresce under black light, similar to vitamin A. The hypothesis is that implants could adsorb and inactivate vitamin A, leading to a deficiency that causes nyctalopia. This could also explain other symptoms.

Other Physiological Manifestations

Beyond nyctalopia, some abductees report extreme sensitivity to sunlight, which might indicate a transient vitamin A deficiency or lead to hemeralopia (day blindness). The article suggests this sensitivity might be a more reliable indicator of abduction than non-dietary nyctalopia, though other medical causes must be ruled out.

Hormones of the Adrenal Cortex

The article posits that sub-clinical vitamin A deficiency, possibly induced by implants, could also lead to deficiencies in hormones of the adrenal cortex. These hormones, including mineralocorticoids (like aldosterone) and glucocorticoids (like cortisol), play vital roles in electrolyte balance, stress response, and immune function. The author suggests that implants might interfere with the production or function of these hormones.

Electrolyte Abnormalities

Salt craving is often linked to excessive salt loss. In abductees, this may be related to kidney or adrenal cortex disease. The mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone normally regulates body salt retention. Uncompensated aldosterone deficiency leads to increased salt loss in urine and elevated potassium levels, resulting in an abnormal potassium-to-sodium ratio. This ratio has been found in abductees. A case study of a mutilated cow showed a similar abnormal ratio and low liver vitamin A, suggesting a link to implants.

Glucocorticoid Abnormalities

If implants can cause aldosterone deficiency, they might also affect glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids influence metabolism, stress resistance, and have antiallergenic effects, preventing histamine release. Their deficiency could manifest in various clinical problems.

Possible Adrenal Insufficiency After Abduction

One abductee, 'Brad,' reported a marked enhancement of smell and taste after a suspected implantation experience. This phenomenon is associated with adrenal insufficiency, potentially linked to reduced glucocorticoids. While his general health is now normal, this transient experience suggests a possible early abduction-related glucocorticoid deficiency.

Female Sex Hormone Deficiency

Sex hormones are produced by the gonads and adrenal cortex. The article presents the case of 'Sue,' a multiple abductee experiencing severe night hot flashes, sweats, and amenorrhea. Standard treatments were ineffective. The author suggested a dietary regimen of carrots and vitamin E, hypothesizing that vitamin A might compete with sex hormones for implant space, thus sparing the hormones. Sue reported that within days, her symptoms resolved, and normal menstrual bleeding resumed. She later discontinued the regimen, and symptoms returned, but reappeared when she resumed it. This suggests a potential benefit of dietary intervention.

Deficiency Correction by Carotene and Vitamin E

The article concludes that adding carrots and vitamin E to the daily diet may be beneficial for abductees. Carotene precursors are safely converted to vitamin A, and vitamin E aids in vitamin A absorption and use. It is cautioned against taking excessive vitamin A supplements, recommending carotene-rich foods instead.

A Few Words in Conclusion

The author acknowledges that the four reported cases are limited but suggests the dietary addition is safe and inexpensive. He invites interested abductees to try it and share their experiences. The author clarifies he is not a licensed medical practitioner and advises consulting a physician for medical assistance. Research associates are listed, including Dr. Roger Leir.

History of State-Directed UFO Research in the USSR

This section comprises letters to the editor discussing a paper by Yuliy Platov and Boris Sokolov on Soviet UFO research.

Letter from Alexey Koroliuk

Alexey Koroliuk, Ph.D., praises the paper for its comprehensive exposition of Soviet UFO research. He corrects a previous impression that the "UFO ban" in the Soviet press was due to ideological pressure, stating it was primarily to conceal information about rocket and aerospace tests. Koroliuk also highlights the potential importance of tracking rocket launchings for understanding upper atmospheric processes. He notes that the paper, while a milestone, could benefit from more statistical data (diagrams, tables, formulas) and suggests a scientific monograph would be a suitable format for such detailed material.

Koroliuk emphasizes that the Soviet UFO study program, despite its scale, did not significantly advance the solution to the UFO enigma. He attributes this to the program following a traditional method of collecting eyewitness reports, similar to amateur investigations, rather than a more rigorous scientific approach. He concludes that while the authors raise important questions and offer substantiated answers, the lack of a clear breakthrough in solving the UFO enigma is a regrettable omission.

Letter from Alexander V. Bagrov

Alexander V. Bagrov, Ph.D., discusses his participation in the Setka AN and Galaktika UFO study programs. He recounts his personal efforts, along with colleagues, to develop observational equipment (the UDILO system) for the instrumental detection of UFOs. Bagrov expresses a critical view of the official Soviet UFO study program, suggesting it was largely a continuation of amateur methods, focusing on eyewitness accounts rather than objective analysis. He notes that the program's initial impetus stemmed from a UFO sighting over Petrozavodsk coinciding with a rocket launch, raising concerns about potential threats to rocketry.

Bagrov criticizes the lack of a fundamentally different approach in the official program, contrasting it with his group's focus on developing detection equipment. He mentions the influence of the Condon Report, which suggested that most UFO reports could be explained by trivial causes, but some remained unexplained. His group concluded that UFOs are typically seen as dark formations during the day and bright luminous bodies at night, with specific angular dimensions and illuminance levels that could allow for photography. They also noted geographical and seasonal distributions correlating with observer numbers, suggesting UFO activity is not tied to specific locations.

Bagrov details the planned parameters for UFO measurement using their UDILO system, including angular dimensions, distance, surface brightness, celestial coordinates, and spectral/polarization analysis. He laments that the UDILO project was never completed due to the launch of the official program and his group's decision to participate. He recounts a proposal to use UDILO-like equipment for official observations, which was dismissed due to cost considerations.

Bagrov concludes that the many-year-long official Soviet UFO study program, by relying on eyewitness testimonies, failed to bring the solution to the UFO enigma any closer. He finds this lack of a definitive conclusion unfortunate and missing from the paper under consideration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential physiological impacts of alleged alien abduction experiences, particularly focusing on vitamin A deficiency and hormonal imbalances, and a critical examination of the methodology and outcomes of Soviet UFO research. The editorial stance, as expressed through the letters to the editor, is one of critical analysis, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific methodology and data-driven conclusions in UFO research. There is a clear distinction drawn between psychosocial explanations for the UFO phenomenon and the search for physical evidence.