Scientists discover a hidden cellular state
Image credit: pawel_czerwinski via Unsplash
Recent findings published in the journal Physiology reveal that cells can remain active and even develop new biological functions after the death of the organism they came from. This phenomenon, described as a "third state" of life, highlights a surprising level of cellular adaptability beyond death. This could pave the way for innovative treatments using "anthrobots": tiny, engineered organisms derived from a patient’s own tissue. These could be used to deliver drugs, clear arterial plaque, or remove mucus without triggering immune reactions. Understanding how cells can function post-mortem may revolutionize personalized and preventive healthcare.
Source
Noble, P. A., Pozhitkov, A., Singh, K., Woods, E., Liu, C., Levin, M., Javan, G., Wan, J., Abouhashem, A. S., Mathew-Steiner, S. S., & Sen, C. K. (2024). Unraveling the Enigma of Organismal Death: Insights, Implications, and Unexplored Frontiers. Physiology (Bethesda, Md.), 39(5), 0. https://doi.org/10.1152/physiol.00004.2024
Additional Reading
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a62244774/biobots-third-state/
https://theweek.com/science/third-state-between-life-and-death