Tonnel - No 27 - 2007

Magazine Overview

This issue of "ТОННЕЛЬ" (TUNNEL), Volume 27, released in 2007, is a collection of scientific papers presented in an electronic version. Published by the ACADEMY OF INFORMATIONAL AND APPLIED UFOLOGY and the INTERNATIONAL UFOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, it is based in Moscow, Russia.

Table of Contents

The issue features a diverse range of articles, including:

• "What Dangers Do 'Fighters Against Pseudoscience' Pose to Humanity?" (An interview with S.V. Speransky) by Larisa Bochanova.
• "Telepathy as Banality" by S.V. Speransky.
• "Into the Depths of Matter" by L.B. Boldyreva and N.B. Sotina.
• "Parapsychology and Some of Its Problems" by I.M. Kogan.
• "Psychology and Extrasensory Phenomena" by A.V. Gubin.
• "Radionics" by A.P. Vlakhov.
• "Test Pilot Marina Popovich: 'I Cannot Help But Believe in UFOs'" by S.E. Kashnitsky.
• "Secret Army Against Aliens" (1990).
• "The British Declassified UFO Files" (2006).

Interview: Larisa Bochanova interviews Sergey Speransky

The central piece of this issue is an extensive interview with Sergey Vladimirovich Speransky, a Doctor of Biological Sciences and a full member of the European Academy of Natural Sciences. Speransky strongly criticizes the "Commission for Combating Pseudoscience" and its chairman, Eduard Kruglyakov, whom he labels as a representative of "fighters against pseudoscience."

Speransky argues that Kruglyakov's work, consisting of three books totaling over seven hundred pages, is repetitive and filled with derogatory terms like "charlatan," "hustler," "charlatan," "misanthrope," "utterly ignorant," and "gang of falsifiers" directed at researchers of anomalous phenomena. He points out that Kruglyakov dismisses fields like ufology as pseudoscience, despite their growing importance.

Speransky contends that Kruglyakov's attacks are not based on scientific merit but on "conjuncture" and a social order. He suggests that powerful industries, such as oil and pharmaceuticals, have a vested interest in suppressing alternative energy sources and healing methods, and the "Commission for Combating Pseudoscience" serves this agenda. Speransky likens Kruglyakov to Torquemada and the Grand Inquisitor, suggesting he would gladly persecute those who deviate from the established scientific paradigm.

He contrasts Kruglyakov's narrow-minded approach with the work of renowned scientists like Vernadsky, Chizhevsky, and Tsiolkovsky, whose ideas challenged the Newtonian-Cartesian paradigm but are now widely accepted. Speransky believes that Kruglyakov's attacks on these figures are selective, avoiding those whose reputations are too strong to tarnish.

Speransky also discusses the concept of "biophilia" versus "necrophilia" as described by Erich Fromm, suggesting that "fighters against pseudoscience" exhibit necrophilic tendencies, driven by a desire to destroy and suppress rather than create and understand.

He further elaborates on the "great power of Science" as described by Kruglyakov, arguing that it should not be used to paralyze inquiry but to rigorously test new phenomena. Speransky accuses the academic community of collective complicity by allowing themselves to be lulled into complacency by the "fighters against pseudoscience," ignoring pressing issues that threaten civilization.

UFOs, Aliens, and the Future of Humanity

The interview delves into the growing evidence of anomalous phenomena, including UFO sightings, alleged alien abductions, and contacts with non-human entities. Speransky cites the declassified diaries of Winston Churchill, who claimed to have had contact with "visitors" in 1928, as an example of historical evidence being ignored.

He presents alarming information from G. Belimov's book "Closeness to Aliens," which suggests that China is heavily investing in the study of anomalous phenomena. Belimov's research indicates that a significant percentage of women of childbearing age in China may have become surrogate mothers for "greys" (aliens), with hybrid fetuses being grown in artificial conditions. The stated goal of these aliens is to replace humanity by December 23, 2012, a date predicted to coincide with major natural cataclysms.

Speransky emphasizes the urgency of uniting humanity to face these potential threats, framing the "fighters against pseudoscience" as an obstacle to this necessary cohesion.

Hope and the Future

Despite the grim outlook, Speransky expresses hope for humanity's salvation, citing the emergence of "indigo children" and the increasing number of individuals who are becoming teachers of cosmic wisdom. He also highlights the work of scientists who are developing new energy sources and solutions to ecological problems, despite opposition from the "fighters against pseudoscience."

Correspondent's Note

The correspondent notes that Speransky deliberately avoided using vulgar language when referring to Kruglyakov, instead quoting him directly. The correspondent also reveals the three-word phrase that has become a popular epithet for Kruglyakov among his critics: "MAIN IDIOT OF RUSSIA."

Source

The article is sourced from the "Ikh format" community website, dated October 21, 2007.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the conflict between established science and alternative research, particularly ufology and parapsychology. The editorial stance, as represented by the interview with Sergey Speransky, is highly critical of the "anti-pseudoscience" movement, portraying it as a hindrance to progress and potentially serving the interests of powerful industries. There is a strong emphasis on the need to acknowledge and study anomalous phenomena, with a sense of urgency regarding potential extraterrestrial threats and the future of humanity. The issue advocates for a broader, more open-minded approach to scientific inquiry, challenging the rigid adherence to existing paradigms.

This issue of "Consciousness and Physical Reality" (Volume 1, Issue 3, 1996) features a prominent article titled "Telepathy as Banality" by S.V. Speransky. The magazine focuses on topics related to consciousness, parapsychology, and alternative scientific research.

Telepathy as Banality by S.V. Speransky

Introduction to Information Noise

Speransky begins by discussing his previous research on "information noise" in experiments with laboratory animals. He defines information noise as the likelihood of drawing incorrect conclusions due to uncontrolled factors, rather than the actual effect of the studied factor. His earlier study found that experimental noise levels were significantly higher than expected (17% instead of 4%), suggesting that many biomedical experiment results might be contaminated by pseudo-effects, especially when dealing with weak factors.

The Problem with Traditional Experimental Design

The author criticizes the traditional experimental approach, which assumes "all other conditions being equal" among groups. He argues that in artificially created animal groups, social dynamics and "settling of scores" between individuals immediately begin, leading to variations that can cause significant differences in measured parameters, independent of the experimental factor. This social tension can lead to divergence between communities, resulting in seemingly "reliable" differences.

An Alternative Experimental Approach

Speransky proposes an alternative: comparing groups that belong to a single, large community with established hierarchical relationships. He spent 15 years analyzing the advantages of this approach, initially in hygienic toxicology studies, but found its benefits applicable to any factor, not just toxins.

Reduced Information Noise in the New Model

Surprisingly, this new experimental form led to a significant reduction in information noise, even in "control" experiments comparing groups of intact animals. This reduction is explained by the fact that in animal communities with established hierarchies, body weight is strongly correlated with rank (larger animals are more dominant). By forming groups based on body weight, the experimenter synchronizes the animals' rank status, thereby reducing variations in measured parameters.

Model Experiment for Toxicity Testing

The article details how this model was used to assess toxic substances. By simulating intoxication through intraperitoneal injection instead of inhalation, and using a simplified program focusing on a single parameter (body weight) instead of multiple ones, they could accurately determine the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of toxicants. This method proved to be about 100 times more cost-effective than existing standards, with high correlation (r=0.95) to established MPC values, validated by five independent laboratories.

"Volumetric Toxicometry"

This approach allowed for the translation of qualitative assessments of toxicant-induced organ damage into quantitative criteria, creating a "multidimensional portrait" of a toxicant. This formed the basis of Speransky's dissertation work, "Volumetric Toxicometry."

Simplified Experimental Setup

The experimental setup was simplified by using only one "inducer" (the toxicant) and groups of white mice as "recipients." While individual mice might vary in sensitivity to "extrasensory" influence, the average sensitivity of a group of animals was considered sufficiently constant.

The "Labyrinth" Experiment

The core of the experimental methodology involved a one-day standard test on healthy male mice. This included measuring body weight changes after controlled starvation and feeding, and a three-time (one-minute each) behavioral test in a circular labyrinth. The labyrinth test assessed:
1. Motor Activity (MA): Number of transitions between compartments.
2. Functional Asymmetry of the Brain (FAB): Ratio of clockwise to counter-clockwise transitions.
3. Memory Index (MI): Rate of decrease in motor activity over successive trials, indicating memory retention.

Experimental Procedure

Animals were deprived of food and water 17 hours before the experiment. On the day of the experiment, two groups of 10 mice each were formed, strictly matched for body weight. The operator, located kilometers away, would randomly select one group to "activate" (e.g., increase appetite, motor activity, overall tone, or memory). The other group served as a control or received the opposite influence. The operator's "residence" was separated from the mice by kilometers, emphasizing the remote nature of the influence. The operator would flip a coin to determine which group to activate. The operator had one hour for the first influence (10:00-11:00) and then three more 10-minute sessions at intervals throughout the afternoon (12:00-12:10, 13:00-13:10, 14:00-14:10).

Mice were weighed before each sorting and tested in the labyrinth three times. Differences between groups were analyzed for statistical significance, using data from "control" experiments to establish norms for body weight changes. Differences exceeding two standard errors were considered significant (P < 0.05).

Scoring the Effects

A scoring system was used to quantify the intensity of the influence. A significant difference in body weight gain (exceeding the mean plus two standard errors) was worth 2 points. Significant differences in labyrinth indicators were scored as 1 point (P < 0.05), 2 points (0.001 < P < 0.01), or 3 points (P < 0.001).

Defining Effectiveness

An integrated criterion of influence intensity was the sum of points across all measured parameters. An influence was considered effective if the total score was at least 3. For the influence to be considered successful, it had to be effective, and the effect had to be in the direction of the operator's intended activation (e.g., accelerated weight gain in the activated group).

Operator Selection and Results

Operators were typically professional healers, with some assistants from healing centers and a few amateurs. The experiment aimed to test the operator's ability to telepathically influence the mice. The operator would be asked to state which group they activated, and if their stated intention matched the observed effect, they passed the test.

Widespread Telepathic Abilities

Surprisingly, most operators, especially professional healers, demonstrated effectiveness. Only three out of forty-six experiments (excluding the one with the author's assistant) showed no effect. Four showed an effect opposite to the intended one. The author notes that these negative results were mostly from amateurs or assistants, not professional healers.

High Scores and Notable Individuals

The French healer Giselle Miley achieved the highest score (15 points). A 15-year-old schoolgirl, who was doing an internship at the laboratory, scored 12 points and was later confirmed to have exceptional healing abilities, being the daughter of a healer.

Components of Positive Effects

• The "full set" of positive shifts in the energized group included:
• Increased appetite (accelerated weight gain).
• Increased motor activity.
• Improved memory.
• Shift in functional brain asymmetry towards greater activity in the right hemisphere.

Variability and Adaptogens

While these components were not always present or significant, the author notes that variability in the labyrinth indicators often decreased. This reduction in variability, where extreme values normalize from both sides, is characteristic of adaptogens. The author suggests that such influences might be beneficial.

Persistence of Effects

The bioenergetic effect could persist in mice for up to a week. The experimental protocol allowed for repeated testing of mice over several months.

Conclusion on Telepathy

Speransky concludes that telepathic abilities are not exceptional but rather widespread. He proposes that the perceived capriciousness of telepathy is due to a lack of adequate research methods. He advocates for the use of animal experiments as a crucial tool for studying telepathic abilities objectively, adhering to scientific rigor.

Proposed Standard for Healer Licensing

The author suggests that the developed methodology should be implemented as an objective standard for testing professional healers, potentially becoming a requirement for licensing. He believes this method is superior to traditional ones and is essential for the field of bioenergetic information.

Broader Implications

Speransky draws a parallel between the discovery of the microscopic world by Leeuwenhoek and the current study of bioenergetic phenomena. He argues that academic science often dismisses these phenomena due to a lack of adequate tools. He believes that understanding this "microscope" is crucial for humanity's transition to a state of "higher psychic health," where the balance between ordinary reality and its "holonomic aspects" (laws of the Cosmos, the "subtle world") is restored. He criticizes the current technocratic civilization's imbalance towards ordinary reality as the root of its problems.

Conclusions

1. A new, alternative method for medico-biological experiments on small laboratory animals is proposed, which increases the sensitivity of measured indicators by approximately two orders of magnitude. This allows for the objective registration of weak factors' effects in short experiments.
2. The implementation of a methodological approach in bioenergetic information has led to the development of a standard for assessing telepathic influences from operators on white mice, based on body weight changes and labyrinth behavior.
3. Testing this standard on 46 operators (mostly professional healers) demonstrated its high effectiveness in identifying and evaluating telepathic abilities, revealing their widespread prevalence.
4. The developed standard is proposed as a method for testing healers, potentially for licensing, and for vocational selection of individuals seeking healing qualifications.
5. The findings challenge the view of telepathy as a phenomenon that constantly eludes objective scientific analysis, suggesting that its perceived capriciousness is exaggerated due to inadequate research methods. Animal experiments, with appropriate methodological support, are presented as a key path to systematically studying telepathic abilities.

Footnotes

The article includes several footnotes clarifying terms and experimental details, such as the duration of daily feeding/starvation, the minimum isolation period for mice, details about the labyrinth design, the importance of familiarizing operators with the experiment, the distinction between having a capability and correctly applying it, and the interpretation of brain hemisphere activity based on mouse movement direction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Consciousness and Physical Reality" consistently explores topics at the intersection of science and consciousness, often presenting research that challenges conventional scientific paradigms. The editorial stance appears to be open to investigating phenomena like telepathy, bioenergetics, and other parapsychological effects, seeking objective methodologies to study them. The issue emphasizes the importance of developing new experimental approaches to overcome limitations in current scientific understanding and to explore the potential of human consciousness and its interaction with the physical world. The article by Speransky strongly advocates for the scientific validation of such phenomena, proposing practical applications like healer licensing and a broader understanding of human potential.

This issue of "Тоннель" (Tunnel), identified as issue number 21, delves into the complex relationship between parapsychological phenomena and modern physics. The content is primarily theoretical and analytical, exploring how phenomena like psychokinesis, telepathy, and precognition might be understood or reconciled with scientific principles, or where they currently stand in opposition to established theories. The magazine also touches upon fundamental physics concepts such as the 'arrow of time,' chaos theory, and self-organization in both animate and inanimate systems.

Categories of Parapsychological Phenomena

The article categorizes parapsychological phenomena into four main groups:

1. Explainable by New Physics: Phenomena like psychokinesis, which cannot be explained by thermal, acoustic, or electromagnetic processes, are discussed. Experiments involving distances of thousands of kilometers and shielded devices suggest these effects are not due to known physical forces. The concept of a 'selective' influence, where a psychic affects only a chosen object, is also highlighted. The authors propose a model of a superfluid vacuum as a potential framework for interpreting these phenomena, suggesting interaction between material bodies within this vacuum that is selective and independent of distance.

2. Not Directly Contradictory but Lacking Explanation: This category includes phenomena such as telepathy, remote biolocation, and identifying individuals from photos or handwriting. While not directly refuting current physics, approaches to explaining them are still nascent. Quantum nonlocality is proposed as a potential explanation, referencing experiments with quantum-correlated particles. However, the article notes that even quantum nonlocality lacks a clear physical explanation within current frameworks, with ideas like Copenhagen interpretation, faster-than-light interactions, or negative probabilities being considered.

3. Directly Contradictory to Current Theories: This group encompasses phenomena that challenge established scientific theories and observations. Precognition (knowing future events) is cited as an example. The article links the discussion of the 'arrow of time' to the development of nonlinear physics and thermodynamics, which highlight irreversibility and the potential for unpredictable, chaotic behavior in dynamic systems. Chaos theory is presented as a field that necessitates the inclusion of an 'arrow of time' in fundamental descriptions of nature.

4. Contradictory to Accepted Theories and Observations: This category is implicitly covered by the discussion of phenomena that directly challenge current scientific paradigms.

The Arrow of Time and Chaos Theory

The concept of the 'arrow of time' is explored in relation to fundamental physics. The article argues that the irreversibility of physical phenomena is a fundamental property, challenging the deterministic view often associated with classical mechanics. Chaos theory is introduced as a key factor, demonstrating how even in deterministic systems, unpredictable behavior can arise due to sensitivity to initial conditions. This sensitivity means that even with perfect knowledge of initial states, long-term prediction becomes impossible, thus reinforcing the need for an 'arrow of time' in physical descriptions. The article suggests that the existence of chaos makes it impossible to fully describe systems in terms of deterministic causality, leading to a probabilistic description.

Self-Organization in Nature

The magazine discusses self-organization as a phenomenon observed in both non-living and living systems. In non-living matter, self-organization can lead to the formation of ordered structures from disordered states, often in open, non-equilibrium systems. Examples include convection and the formation of dissipative structures. In living organisms, self-organization is seen as a fundamental process, from the emergence of complex molecules and biomolecules to the growth of an organism from a zygote. The article contrasts the 'order from disorder' principle seen in non-living matter with the 'order from order' principle observed in biological systems, where development follows more deterministic, inherited laws.

Biological Evolution and Information

The article touches upon the origins of life and the role of molecular biology. It highlights the 'logical conflict' in understanding how enzymes that synthesize informational molecules (like DNA) are themselves synthesized. The concept of collective autocatalysis of proteins is mentioned as a proposed solution. The authors suggest that understanding the self-organization of living matter requires delving into the physical vacuum, which they believe plays a role in correlations between quantum objects and the regulation of genetic subsystems.

Experiments in Psychokinesis

Several experiments are presented to support the existence of psychokinetic effects:

• Microorganisms: Experiments conducted from May 1988 to December 1989 by a group at the Tomsk Military Medical Institute involved psychics influencing cultures of various bacteria (E. coli, typhoid, dysentery, etc.). The psychics were instructed to 'surround' sealed flasks with their hands. The results indicated positive changes in the microorganisms, including the development of different bio- and serovars, suggesting structural changes in the cell genome. These acquired traits were inherited across generations.
• Single-celled Algae: Experiments by V.I. Kartsev in 1977-1978 involved influencing the single-celled alga *Euglena viridis*. The psychic, V. Zhuravlev, was tasked with affecting the motility of the algae from a distance of 3-4 meters.

Literature Cited

The issue references several works, including those by A.G. Parkhomov, E.A. Dubitsky, K.G. Korotkov, G.N. Dulnev, V.I. Kartsev, I.M. Kogan, E.G. Bondarenko, I. Prigogine, A. Taylor, A. Peacock, I.D. Novikov, E.M. Galimov, E. Schrodinger, A. Babloyantz, and S.A. Kauffman.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes revolve around the intersection of parapsychology and physics, with a strong emphasis on exploring phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking to integrate seemingly anomalous phenomena into a broader scientific framework, even if it requires postulating new physical concepts like a superfluid vacuum or re-evaluating fundamental principles like the nature of time. There is a clear attempt to bridge the gap between subjective experiences and objective scientific investigation, particularly in the realm of consciousness and unexplained abilities. The magazine seems to advocate for a more holistic view of reality that accommodates both established physics and phenomena that currently lie outside its scope.

This issue, titled "Физики в парапсихологии" (Physicists in Parapsychology), published by "Летний сад" (Summer Garden) in 2003, with content spanning pages 31-40, explores the intersection of physics and parapsychological phenomena. The primary author is I.M. Kogan, with contributions and references from various scientists and researchers.

Influence on Plants

The issue details experiments conducted in the early 1990s by the biological sector of the Commission on Scientific-Technical Problems of Bioenergetics, led by Elvira Valentinova Morozova. These studies investigated the contactless influence of psychics on plants. The research demonstrated that psychics could induce irreversible morphological changes in plants. Specifically, they could stimulate the growth of coleoptile shoots in wheat seeds, leading to a higher incidence of double sprouts compared to control groups. Similarly, experiments with bean plants showed an increase in altered leaves after psychic influence. The experiments also explored the transmission of psychic influence, using shielded chambers and varying the psychic's distance from the plants (up to 5 meters). Measurements of the electrical reaction of plant leaves to light stimuli revealed that psychics could remotely influence the speed of these physiological reactions. This influence was found to be independent of shielding and distance, and exhibited a 'narrow направленность' (selectivity), affecting one plant out of two closely spaced ones. It was noted that psychics required preliminary training to establish a stable 'contact' with plants, observing feedback on computer displays.

Influence on Magneto-Measuring Instruments

Experiments conducted in the 1960s-70s at the Saint Petersburg State Institute of Precision Mechanics and Optics, in collaboration with the Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism (IZMIRAN), investigated the influence of the well-known psychic Nina Sergeevna Kulagina on magneto-measuring systems. The degree of influence varied depending on the instrument's design. While an astatic magnetometer registered within normal limits, a coil of copper wire connected to an oscilloscope and a proton magnetometer's sensor did not show significant effects. However, when a germanium Hall effect sensor was used, Kulagina's influence, applied either by hand passes or by holding the sensor, resulted in pulsed magnetic fields with an induction magnitude of 10^6-10^7 nT, nearly half a million times the norm. This effect was sustained for 3-4 seconds. The conclusion drawn was that the influence was not magnetic in nature but likely occurred at a quantum level, potentially involving direct manipulation of electrons.

Influence on a Microcalorimeter

In the late 1980s, Moscow-based researchers G.K. Gurtovoy and A.G. Parkhomov conducted experiments on the influence of psychics on a microcalorimeter, a device sensitive to minute temperature changes (down to 10^-5 °C). The results revealed several unique characteristics of psychic influence:
1. Psychics could induce both increases and decreases in temperature, unlike conventional radiation which typically only raises temperature.
2. The signal change during psychic influence was much sharper than when an electric heater was activated.
3. After the initial psychic influence ceased, the signal did not return to its baseline for an extended period. Subsequent influences led to signal changes, but the return to baseline was still delayed.
4. The effect was largely independent of distance, ranging from 0.5 to 2000 km.
5. Shielding the microcalorimeter from electromagnetic and other influences did not hinder the effect; in some cases, it even enhanced it.
6. Psychic influence demonstrated selectivity; for instance, one psychic could affect a microcalorimeter in another room while leaving an identical, shielded one in the same room unaffected, provided the psychic was unaware of the latter's existence.

These properties were found to be analogous to the behavior of magnetite (Fe3O4) near its spin-reorientation phase transition, particularly the irreversible magnetocaloric delta-T effect observed upon initial magnetic field application.

Superfluid Vacuum Model

Pages 35-38 introduce a model of the vacuum as a superfluid liquid, developed by the authors. This model posits that the vacuum is composed of pairs of oppositely charged microparticles with spin. The superfluid properties are proposed to explain the non-dissipative motion of celestial bodies. The model suggests that quantum systems (atoms, molecules, biomolecules) create spin structures within this superfluid vacuum. These structures can interact with each other via spin currents, exhibiting directional properties ('selectivity') and independence of distance, without involving photons. This model is compared to the properties of superfluid Helium-3 (He-3).

The model suggests that photons are complex vortex formations within the superfluid vacuum. It also proposes that quantum objects described by the Schrödinger equation, such as electrons in atoms, create structures analogous to uniformly precessing domains (OPD) in the superfluid vacuum. This allows for the derivation of the Schrödinger equation within the framework of the superfluid vacuum model.

The authors suggest that this model can help explain phenomena in parapsychology, such as the 'selectivity' and distance-independent influences observed in experiments. They propose that these phenomena are the result of interactions between structures created in the vacuum by the psychic and the object of their influence. The superfluid vacuum, in this context, can be viewed as an 'information field' due to its theoretically dissipationless processes.

Experimental approaches to shielding against psychic influence are also discussed, including the use of rotating electric fields and photon streams, which are hypothesized to orient vacuum spins and influence inter-structure interactions.

The model is also applied to understanding self-organization in living nature, suggesting that living beings have a 'continuation' in the physical vacuum, acting as 'controlling' structures ('liv-structures').

Parapsychology and Its Problems

Page 40, authored by I.M. Kogan, addresses the field of parapsychology itself. It acknowledges the long-standing interest and controversy surrounding phenomena like telepathy, remote viewing, and psychic healing. Kogan frames parapsychology as a science studying remote interactions in living nature that occur beyond known sensory capabilities. He emphasizes that these interactions imply the existence of fields, termed 'biological fields' or 'biofields,' originating from biological objects. The term 'biofield' is presented as merely indicating the source of the field, not implying mystical properties, and is compared to terms like 'bio-currents' used for phenomena like electrocardiograms. Kogan asserts that biofields are composed of various components of known physical nature, including electromagnetic, magnetic, acoustic, and chemical elements, observable across different frequency ranges.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the possibility of physical explanations for parapsychological phenomena, moving beyond purely mystical interpretations. The central theme is the investigation of how psychics can influence biological and physical systems at a distance and with apparent selectivity. The 'superfluid vacuum' model serves as a unifying theoretical framework, attempting to bridge the gap between observed anomalies and fundamental physics. The authors advocate for a scientific approach to parapsychology, seeking to understand these phenomena within a broader physical context, including the properties of the vacuum itself. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking to integrate seemingly anomalous observations into a more comprehensive understanding of reality, grounded in physics but open to new theoretical constructs.

This issue of "Parapsychology in the USSR" (1993, No. 2(4)) delves into the complex field of parapsychology, aiming to move beyond mere discussion towards purposeful activity. The articles explore the theoretical and experimental underpinnings of biofields and various psi phenomena, proposing a multi-level classification system and drawing connections to psychological models.

The Nature of Biofields and Psi Phenomena

The existence of biofields is presented as stemming from theoretical concepts and experimental observations. The intensity and characteristics of these fields are acknowledged to vary with an individual's state. It is suggested that biological systems might generate fields currently unknown to physics, and that the interaction of these numerous physical components of a biofield could lead to emergent qualities. The author emphasizes that biofields are not a matter of "obscurantism" but a complex concept that enables remote interactions between living organisms and with inanimate objects. The ability of living organisms to perceive fields of various physical natures is supported by experimental findings in magnetobiology and electrobiology.

The article acknowledges the diversity of phenomena covered by parapsychology, making a single assessment of their reliability difficult. It proposes classifying these phenomena into two main classes: "informational" and "force" (or psychokinetic). Each class is further stratified into several levels.

Level 1: Real Physical Models

This level includes phenomena where physical events have been directly recorded using physical instruments, supporting the observed parapsychological effect. A prime example is "clairvoyance," specifically the well-known experiments involving the recognition of Zener cards through opaque envelopes, as broadcast by Central Television of the USSR. Similar results were obtained by the author and colleagues in distinguishing bacterial cultures, plant leaves, and electrical wires. In some cases, differences in infrared radiation intensity were recorded.

Level 2: Potential Physical Models

This level encompasses phenomena for which there are sufficient grounds to believe they are based on physical phenomena, but direct experimental confirmation has been elusive, possibly due to instrument sensitivity or lack of appropriate experimental design. Telepathy—the transmission of thoughts, moods, and feelings between individuals in sensory isolation—is a typical example. Experiments involving the transmission of Zener card images, drawings, and real objects have been conducted over vast distances, including from the Moon to Earth. The article notes that while most telepathy experiments align with traditional scientific views, the experiment involving transmission from lunar orbit to Earth in 1971 is an exception.

Level 3: Psychological Phenomena

This level includes phenomena that are fundamentally irreducible to physical phenomena. The author argues that just as figurative perception, intuition, art, and science are not fully explainable by physical processes, so too might certain parapsychological effects represent a distinct mode of interaction with the world. This level is illustrated by the successful location of a missing person's corpse with remarkable accuracy, where logical deduction alone would not have pinpointed the area.

Theoretical Analysis and Psychological Models

The article discusses theoretical analyses of numerous telepathic experiments, suggesting that information transmission might occur through electromagnetic fields generated by bio-currents in the ultra-long wave range. It also touches upon the concept of "psychokinesis" and potential explanations involving electrostatic fields or ultrasonic vibrations that reduce friction.

Psychological science's historical caution towards parapsychology is noted, with reference to the French Academy's early dismissal of Mesmer's work. However, the article seeks positive points of contact, suggesting that psychological models can offer valuable perspectives. The concept of perception itself is described as inherently "extrasensory" because it extracts data about imperceptible characteristics of objects. The work of physiologist N.A. Bernstein on the brain as more than a simple reflex machine, requiring a "model of the desired future" for complex movements, is cited. The "extrasensory image" is examined as a regulatory element in behavior, analogous to ordinary perceptual images.

The theory of step-by-step formation of mental actions by P.Ya. Galperin is introduced, highlighting the processes of "interiorization" (internalizing external information) and "exteriorization" (manifesting psychic structures externally). Exteriorization is proposed as a general phenomenon in parapsychology, encompassing everything from healing touch to the dissolution of self in the universe through meditation. Different types of exteriorization are described, including objectification, visualization, volition, verbalization, and the formation of personal meaning.

Implications and Future Directions

The article posits that exteriorization involves a transition to a simpler level of psychic activity, akin to an electron jumping orbits, resulting in a psychic energy "quantum leap." The author suggests that the effectiveness of this process depends on the directness of the transition from the self to sensory or motor spheres. The content directed by the psychic activity of a sensitive is hypothesized to be "affectively charged unconscious structures," or archetypes, as described by C.G. Jung. These are seen as pure forms that, when filled with energetic content, create modes of psychic processes.

Psychoanalytic concepts like "acting out" (re-experiencing a traumatic situation to overcome it) are discussed in relation to healing. The equivalence of the psychoanalyst's and shaman's roles in facilitating this process is noted, with both methods involving a form of myth-making and symbolic realization. The concept of "image agglutination" in psychoanalysis, where multiple semantic fields converge onto a single symbol, is also mentioned as relevant to understanding how a single point of consciousness can evoke a powerful affective reaction.

Sensitives are characterized by their ability to enter a meditative state of light trance and descend into the unconscious, using a "marker" or symbol to access information about a person. This process can result in an energetic form, or "phantom," which is closest to Jung's concept of the "shadow archetype."

The article concludes by emphasizing the potential of parapsychology in three key areas: technical systems (utilizing the unique properties of living systems), diagnostics and treatment of diseases, and criminology (through clairvoyance). It calls for focused research and development in these areas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes include the scientific investigation of parapsychological phenomena, the development of theoretical models (both physical and psychological) to explain them, and the exploration of practical applications. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a rigorous, scientific approach to parapsychology, moving beyond skepticism and towards a deeper understanding and purposeful application of its findings. The authors believe that parapsychology has the potential to significantly expand our understanding of human consciousness and its interaction with the world, and that ignoring its potential would be a disservice to future progress.

This issue of "Arguments and Facts" (Аргументы и факты), published in 2007, features a collection of articles exploring the realms of radionics and Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), with a particular focus on government involvement and eyewitness accounts.

Radionics: The Science of Energy-Informational Fields

The first article, authored by A.P. Vlakhov, introduces the concept of radionics, a field that posits an inseparable connection between an object and its graphical representation, mediated by an energy-informational field. It explains that living and non-living bodies emit weak electromagnetic oscillations, but unlike the chaotic spectrum of inanimate objects, human emissions form a structured sequence. Healthy individuals exhibit a spectrum free of oscillations linked to specific diseases.

The article highlights the pioneering work of American engineer and inventor T. Hieronymus, who developed radionics as a scientific direction. During World War II, Hieronymus, a radio operator, concluded that electromagnetic waves are fundamental to information processes in both technology and nature. His early research focused on the electromagnetic radiation of metals and minerals, leading to a 1946 patent for a device to detect and measure material radiation, which incorporated human extrasensory abilities.

Later, Hieronymus applied his research to space medicine. Following the Apollo-8 mission, he published reports on the crew's condition based on astronaut photographs, which remarkably coincided with NASA's telemetry data. This led to the classification of his work. Subsequently, he shifted to transmitting information to biological objects using photographs, achieving significant results with his research group at Pennsylvania State University. Their experiments demonstrated the ability to eliminate agricultural pests by treating photographs of affected fields.

The article notes that Hieronymus's apparatus, when tested, proved effective in eliminating pests with just three hours of daily operation for a week, regardless of the field's distance. Currently, over two dozen patents for modified radionic devices have been issued in the USA and Germany.

UFOs: Eyewitness Accounts and Government Secrecy

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to UFO sightings and the efforts of governments to investigate or conceal information about them.

Marina Popovich's Testimony

Test pilot Marina Popovich shares her belief in UFOs, recounting personal sightings. She describes seeing a bright 'extra' star in 1986 that grew in size and transformed into a fiery ball. She also witnessed a massive 'aerostat' at high altitude, comparable in size to a kilometer-long object, moving parallel to a Tu-154 aircraft.

Popovich acknowledges that many aerial phenomena are misidentified, citing a military institute's study where only about ten percent of UFO sightings were classified as truly unidentified.

Astronaut and Pilot Accounts

Pilot-cosmonaut Vladimir Kovalenok reported seeing a dumbbell-shaped object near Earth's orbit in 1981 that contracted and exploded, causing a radioactivity flash. General Vasily Alekseev was tasked by the Air Force to document UFO information, and he recounted instances of objects hovering over the Chkalovsky airfield. Former fighter pilot Nikolai Osaulenko described observing a large, multi-colored shining ball that disappeared when ordered to be shot down, noting its speed changes and course alterations suggested an extraterrestrial origin.

The DI 55 Unit and Government Cover-ups

The magazine details the existence of a secret British Ministry of Defence unit, DI 55, responsible for investigating UFOs. Initially denied, its existence was revealed through a combination of the 'thirty-year rule' for declassifying documents and a clerical error in 1983. Ufologists, like Julian Hennessy, pursued access to these documents, which the Ministry initially claimed were of no practical interest for serious scientific research.

An article titled "Secret Army Against Aliens (1990)" describes the clandestine nature of DI 55, located in Whitehall, London. It collects information from military, police, and government agents across the country. Despite official denials, engineer Michael Hanson of the UFO Watch Society recounted being mistakenly connected to DI 55, only to be told later that the unit did not exist. Mark Verdsole, another investigator, also faced stonewalling.

Richard Lawrence, director of an international UFO enthusiasts' society, believes the secrecy surrounding UFOs is greater than that of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). He suspects the Ministry of Defence is withholding information, citing their claims of lack of funds and technical means, and the destruction of thousands of UFO-related files.

Specific UFO Sightings and Incidents

Several specific incidents are reported:

• August 10, 1965: A man in Worminster, Wiltshire, reported seeing a dark red ball emerge from behind a hill.
• Two weeks later: Another man photographed a UFO in Worminster, though the photo was later declared a fake.
• November 28, 1980: Police officer Alan Godfrey in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, observed a dome-shaped object hovering above the ground, leaving a dry patch on the road.
• December 26, 1980: A UFO crash was reported in Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk, near the Woodbridge airbase. Witnesses described the craft as covered in hieroglyphic-like symbols, and that aliens emerged from it. The pilot later admitted to fabricating the incident.
• Early 1990s: Residents in Northern Scotland reported seeing UFOs moving at high speed, which documents later suggested might have been the American spy plane 'Aurora'.
• May 2006: The UK Ministry of Defence published findings from Project Condign, a four-year study concluding that many UFO sightings could be explained by gas-discharge plasma flashes from atmospheric electricity.

Public Opinion and Official Stance

A Gallup poll indicated that about nine percent of adults had seen UFOs, and half believed in their existence. In Britain, belief in UFOs was higher, with 16 percent reporting sightings and 60 percent believing.

British Royal Air Force representatives acknowledged that a secretary was tasked with dealing with UFO matters daily. They cited a lack of information dissemination resources and personnel as reasons for not informing the public, but did not deny that unexplained phenomena occur in the sky. One representative stated, "We would be fools if we continue to pursue an ostrich policy on this issue."

British UFO Files Declassified (2006)

Another article details how the British Ministry of Defence admitted to the existence of DI 55, a unit investigating UFOs. The declassification process was aided by the 'thirty-year rule' and a 1983 clerical error. The investigation into DI 55 began in 1976 when ufologist Julian Hennessy requested access to documents. The Ministry's refusal only fueled public interest.

In 1995, DI 55 acknowledged its interest in UFOs but expressed concern that official recognition would lead to difficult questions about the intelligence services' involvement. A note on a memo read "Oops!". Conspiracy theorists believe DI 55 is an 'Men in Black' organization protecting Earth from alien invasion, but the documents suggest otherwise. Journalist David Clarke and Andy Roberts's inquiry revealed that the Ministry's persistence in hiding the intelligence services' role suggested something to hide, but Clarke concluded it proved the Ministry spent public money on non-essential matters rather than alien visitation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, scientific inquiry, and government secrecy. It presents eyewitness accounts, scientific explanations (like plasma flashes), and the challenges of obtaining official information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the UFO phenomenon, while also critically examining official narratives and the potential for government cover-ups. The articles suggest a growing public interest and a gradual, albeit reluctant, release of information by authorities.