This week, Stu explains how nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert the essential element into ammonia for biological use, and how new research transfers this ability to photosynthetic organisms; and Chris looks at scientific experiments into near-death experiences, including a recent study showing spikes in brain activity when the heart stops beating.

Parnia et al. 2014 “AWARE—AWAreness during REsuscitation—A prospective study”: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2014.09.004
Parnia et al. 2023 “Awareness During Resuscitation - II: A Multi-Center Study of Consciousness and Awareness in Cardiac Arrest”: https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4246760
Xu et al. 2023 “Surge of neurophysiological coupling and connectivity of gamma oscillations in the dying human brain”: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2216268120
Bush & Greyson 2014 "Distressing Near-Death Experiences: The Basics": https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6173534/