Astrobiologist and astronomer Dr. David Darling discussed evolution and the origins of the universe, as well as such topics as NDEs, ET contact, teleportation and the particle accelerator at CERN. He believes that God likely started the universe, but then let things take their course, rather than being involved in an ongoing manner. The Book of Genesis, he added, is based on a cosmology that is several thousand years out-of-date.

We could actually be a virtual reality experience created by a civilization in another universe, he proposed. Turning to near-death-experiences (NDEs), he noted that the whole universe sometimes opens up to a person in this state-- which is odd considering that their brain is closing down. Perhaps, our brains are actually "a limiter of consciousness," said Darling.

The SETI@Home program yielded some interesting signals originating from between the Pisces and Aries constellations, which were investigated at the Arecibo radio telescope, and bear further study, he reported. Looking ahead, Darling said within 50 years, we might have something approaching the transporters of Star Trek, which would certainly radicalize the whole concept of transportation.

Stem Cell Update

'Historian of the Future' Charles Ostman shared an update on stem cell research. While mired in controversy in the U.S. over the use of embryos, other countries are moving ahead with their research in this area. Among the many promising applications for stem cells are treatments for neurological disorders (such as Parkinson's) and damaged organs. Ostman pointed out that surplus embryos that don't work out for in-vitro attempts are often disposed, and instead could be used for stem cell research.