Ectoplasm

In cell biology, ectoplasm ("outer plasma") refers to the outer regions of the cytoplasm of a cell. Ectoplasm typically contain a smaller amount of protein granules and other organic compounds than inner cytoplasm, also referred to as endoplasm.

In parapsychology, ectoplasm is the name given to a hypothetical form of dense bio-energy liberated by living things which is claimed to make possible the materialization of ghosts and psychokinesis. The term ectoplasm was used in a similar sense in the 1984 film Ghostbusters.

In the early twentieth century photographs claiming to show ectoplasm were occasionally published; these were largely shown to be fraudulent. Often the medium would have concealed cheesecloth or a similar substanceabout their person to produce at an appropriate moment.

Many people still hold out faith that ectoplasm exists, but as of yet, no solid evidence for it has been found. Parapsychologists have tried to use different photographic filters to find ectoplasm, but usually what has been found is simply an odd light, which may be the filters corrupting the picture.

Ectoplasm is believed by spiritualists to project itself from people during meditation.

Helen Duncan, a british Psychic, is believed to truly have materialized Spirits of deceased persons through ectoplasm. She was convicted in Europe´s last witchcraft trial (1944).

Ectoplasm is also a term used to describe the vapour appearing on the wings of an aircraft when it is performing high energy manoeuvres. Typically this effect is seen by most people at airshow during modern jet fighter aerobatic displays. See also St. Elmo's Fire.

This effect also has other names in other parts of the world.