A groundbreaking discovery has revealed that cells in dead organisms can continue to function and even develop new abilities, introducing what researchers call a “third state” of existence beyond life and death. This finding challenges long-standing views of how life works and could reshape medical and legal definitions of what it means to be eternally at rest.
The research, led by Professor Peter Noble at the University of Washington in Seattle and Alex Pozhitkov at City of Hope National Medical Center in California, highlights certain cells’ ability to survive and transform after the conclusion of an organism’s life.
These findings were detailed in an article for The Conversation, in which the researchers explained that being alive and dying are traditionally viewed as opposites. However, the emergence of new multicellular structures from the cells of dead organisms suggests a previously unrecognized state.
The researchers wrote that certain cells—when provided with nutrients, oxygen, or biochemical signals—can change into multicellular organisms with entirely new functions after departure from life. This “third state” lies beyond traditional boundaries of life and death.
Evidence from recent studies
The team reviewed several studies demonstrating the remarkable potential of cells postmortem. One notable 2021 study found that skin cells from dead frogs reorganized themselves in a laboratory setting.
These cells formed multicellular structures known as “xenobots,” which exhibited unexpected behaviors. Using tiny hair-like structures called cilia, these could move and navigate their surroundings far beyond their original biological roles.
Scientists discover a ‘third state’ between life and death.
Scientists have discovered a ‘third state’ between life and death, creating tiny "anthrobots" and "xenobots" from human and frog cells, respectively. These cell-based robots can self-replicate, heal wounds, and even… pic.twitter.com/MatrvHLGur— Europeanafricanuncle (@BBCNewsparody) November 8, 2024
Similarly, human lung cells have shown the ability to assemble into miniature multicellular organisms, dubbed “anthrobots.”
These can move, repair themselves, and even heal damaged nerve cells nearby. Such developments represent entirely new cell functions that are absent while the organism is alive, researchers noted.
Mechanism behind “third state” is unclear
While the precise mechanisms behind this state remain unclear, one hypothesis involves a hidden system of electrical circuits within the cells.
According to the researchers, specialized channels and pumps in the cells’ outer membranes may act as intricate electrical systems, generating signals that allow for communication and coordination in the form of growth and movement.
The team explained that these electrical signals could be critical for shaping structures that form in this third state, providing evidence that the hidden network plays a key role in reanimating cellular functions.
The ability of cells to exist in this state appears to depend on several factors, including environmental conditions, such as temperature, and the availability of energy sources like nutrients. Metabolic activity is particularly important, as it allows cells to survive and function.
Additionally, the age, health, sex, and species of the organism influence the likelihood of cells entering this state. These factors collectively shape what researchers call the “postmortem landscape,” determining how cells respond after death.
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