[an error occurred while processing this directive] BBC News
watch One-Minute World News Last Updated: Wednesday, 12 January,
2005, 12:00 GMT Pain used to uncover brain secret Woman in pain
Torture is being used to help scientists understand how the
brain works Volunteers are to be 'burnt' by scientists to see if
faith eases pain.  Oxford University scientists 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
two-year study will involve followers of both 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 during the
tests.  How scientists plan to torture volunteers Gel - A gel
containing chilli can be applied to the back of the hand to
simulate a burning sensation Heat-pad - A pad which can reach up
to 60C will be put against the skin  Researchers believe the
study may improve unders