The IANDS Glossary aims to break down complex terms and ideas from the scientific field of near-death studies. Our goal is to clearly define these things in plain, easy-to-understand, conversational English that democratizes advanced terminology for everyone.
Do you know how some people say “it’s not brain surgery” when they’re trying to explain how easy something is? Well, the scientific field of near-death studies may not literally be brain surgery, but it’s pretty darn close, given we’re often discussing topics from neuroscience, psychology, and other brain-related sciences.
To say that science is generally inaccessible to most people is an understatement. It can sometimes feel like scientific communities have their own languages and methods of communication that leave everyone else scratching their heads.
And that’s why we decided to create the IANDS Glossary. Here, you’ll find simple explanations of scientific phrases and ideas that aren’t usually intuitive. And each item is accompanied by an article explaining the concept in greater depth, too, without being overly complicated.
You’ll also find links to our fact sheets on those phrases that have them. The fact sheets are written in a more academic tone and are meant for researchers, healthcare professionals, and others. If you’re looking for a more advanced breakdown of a given subject, you’ll find it there.
Please Note: The IANDS Glossary is still very, very new and only just launched in July 2025. We haven’t added much here yet, but we do plan on expanding on the IANDS near-death studies Glossary extensively in the coming weeks and months. So please stay tuned for more!
The IANDS Glossary
Out-of-Body Experience: an experience where a person sees or otherwise perceives the world from a perspective separated from their own physical body. They might be standing beside themselves, floating above themselves, or even feel as though they’re present in another room where their physical self is not.
Terminal Lucidity: A phenomenon where people experience a sudden spike in mental clarity, and sometimes physical ability, shortly before they die. It’s been reported in those experiencing dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other severe neurological conditions. (Fact Sheet)
Veridical Experiences: Experiences in which a person sees, hears, or otherwise perceives something when they shouldn’t be able to, given their physical or medical state at the time.