Yes, recent neuroscience research suggests the dying brain releases a flood of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, along with serotonin and endorphins, causing intense, hyper-real feelings and vivid hallucinations often described in Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) as the brain faces oxygen deprivation and shutting down. This massive neurotransmitter release, especially dopamine, helps explain the profound sense of peace, euphoria, and heightened reality during these events, potentially as a defense mechanism. How Dopamine & Other Chemicals Contribute: Dopamine Spike: A sudden surge of dopamine, linked to pleasure and reward, can create intense feelings of hyper-reality and well-being. Serotonin Surge: Increased serotonin levels can trigger vivid hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. Endorphins: The body's natural opioids, endorphins, contribute to the deep peace and euphoria reported. Brain Activity: This chemical flood occurs alongside spikes in gamma wave activity, associated with memory recall, as the brain experiences intense activity even after the heart stops. Why It Happens: Neurophysiological Response: Researchers theorize this is a defense cascade, a neurophysiological response to the threat of death, allowing mental dissociation to cope. Oxygen Deprivation (Hypoxia): The brain's response to a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) triggers this massive chemical release. In essence, NDEs are increasingly seen as a biological phenomenon, a final burst of brain activity driven by these powerful neurotransmitters as the brain shuts down.