Texas Oil Tycoon Pushes the Edges of Science
Just because Texas oil tycoon Tom Slick died in a plane crash in 1962 doesn’t mean his vision died with him. In fact, his legacy has grown a few lone-star state institutions that bring in over $1 billion a year to the San Antonio area. The Southwest Research Institute and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute are much more well known than one of his other visionary organizations–the Mind Science Foundation.
Originally started as a search for paranormal activity–from the hunt for Bigfoot to telekinesis–the foundation changed focus about ten years ago. It now funds researchers all over the world who are conducting neuroscience studies that will help scientists understand how the human brain creates the experience of consciousness.
The Mind Science Foundation has moved from the realm of spoon bending to studying the generosity hormone, oxytocin. But in keeping with Tom Slick’s vision, the foundation also likes to explore the edge of neuroscience, wherever that may lead.
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