In fact, the supernatural beliefs of the mystic occult, and the rigid, fact-based world of military research have collided before, for this very purpose. As far back as the early 1920’s Russian scientists at the University of Leningrad were exploring the possibility of telepathic communication (Rosicrucian Order AMORC claims to help its students achieve such ability). In particular, research was focused on developing links between newly deployed submarine units, and on-shore without the use of electronic devices.

These experiments, alongside other trials into abilities such as precognition, and telekinesis were based in the widespread acceptance of a paranormal phenomenon known as bioenergetics (energy given off by metabolic processes in the human body) . Basically this theory claimed that, with sufficient concentration, human beings could be taught to exude a charged radiation known as bioplasma which could in turn create various psychic effects upon targeted areas.

These experiments continued well into the 1960’s. At the height of the cold war, agents from the K.G.B were overseeing a multi-million dollar facility focused entirely on uncovering the extent of these psychic energies. August Stern, a Soviet scientist who defected to the United States during this period describes working diligently for 2 years at a laboratory where many of these tests took place. He recalls one such test, where a group of people in one room were sent telepathic messages from a group of people in another room in an effort to see whether they would respond to any of the messages they received.

In 1969 the laboratory was unceremoniously shut down, by 1974 all research in psychic phenomena had been curtailed altogether. According to Stern, many of the scientists employed at these laboratories had turned out to be quacks with little in the way of formal certification. As for the claims made, most had fallen apart under any sort of close scrutiny.