This is not a new science fiction film, but rather the results of a new study, published by the journal Physiology. According to this work, a third state of existence could take place between life and death. This state would occur when an organism’s cells continue to function after death, when given nutrients, oxygen, bioelectricity or biochemical signals. They would even be able to acquire new abilities that they did not have when the organism was alive.
The study was led by two biologists, Peter Noble, associate professor of microbiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Alex Puzhitkov, director of bioinformatics at the Earl and Manella School of Biological Sciences in Hope City.
In an article for The Conversationthey write: “ Life and death are traditionally considered opposites. But the emergence of new multicellular life forms from the cells of a dead organism introduces a ‘third state’ that lies beyond the traditional boundaries of life and death. »
The skin of dead frogs can adapt to a laboratory environment
The first research on this subject dates from 2021. American scientists then discovered that skin cells from dead frogs can adapt to a laboratory environment and spontaneously form multicellular organisms. These real living machines have been called “xenobots”.
The xenobots displayed behaviors different from their original biological function, using hair-like structures to move. They have also been shown to be adept at collecting materials, recording information, self-repairing, and replicating in limited ways.
Other researchers have discovered that human lung cells can self-organize into tiny multicellular organisms called “anthropobots.” These multicellular robots have shown even more developed capabilities than those of xenobots, particularly from the point of view of cellular assembly and cooperation in the body, as well as the potential of cells to reassemble into different structures for varied functions. .
“This research can transform regenerative medicine”
The ability of cells to enter this third state depends on several factors, including environmental conditions such as temperature and energy availability, as well as other variables, such as the age of the organism, its health, its sex and its species type. It should be noted that these multicellular organisms have a limited lifespan, decomposing naturally after four to six weeks, to avoid the risk of dangerous cell growth.
Experts point to these examples as evidence of new cellular functions that do not exist during life, illustrating cellular changes in unexpected ways. However, exactly how these cells work remains a mystery. A possible explanation, put forward by the researchers, involves a hidden system of electrical circuits, capable of resuscitating cells.
« This research has the potential to transform regenerative medicine, redefine legal death, and provide insights into the physiological limits of life, alongside research into embryogenesis », say the authors.
