Scientists at the Centre for Science of the Mind (Oxford University) will carry out experiments on hundreds of people in a bid to understand how the brain works during states of consciousness.

One aspect of the study will involve followers of religious and secular beliefs being burnt to see if they can handle more pain than others.

Some volunteers will be shown religious symbols such as crucifixes and images of the Virgin Mary while they will have a gel containing chilli powder or heat-pad applied to the back of their hand to simulate a burning sensation.

A team of neurologists, pharmacologists and anatomists will then analyse how they react by using brain scans.

Researchers believe the study may improve understanding of faith, how robust it is and how easily it can be dislodged.

Via BBC News.