Scientists have discovered that certain cells not only remain active after the death of an organism, but also change into new forms.
From a scientific point of view, death is the irreversible cessation of bodily functions. However, practices such as organ donation demonstrate how individual organs, tissues, and cells can continue to function even after the organism has died.
Researchers are investigating the mechanisms that ensure that some cells remain active post-mortem. A recent one study revealed that under specific conditions, such as the presence of nutrients, oxygen and biochemical signals, certain cells can transform into multicellular structures with new functions.
This discovery introduces a mysterious ‘third state’ of cell behavior, which challenges previous insights. Although familiar transformations, such as caterpillars becoming butterflies or tadpoles growing into frogs, follow familiar patterns, this third state goes beyond typical biological changes.
For example, tumors and organelles that divide indefinitely in a laboratory environment do not fall under this third state because they do not acquire new functions.
Xenobots, a type of biological robot, on the other hand, are capable of kinematic self-replication. This unique process involves replicating their form and function without growth, which differs from conventional methods of reproduction.
Furthermore, individual human lung cells have been observed to self-organize into microscopic multicellular organisms capable of movement. These “anthropobots” exhibit entirely new behaviors, including the ability to navigate their environment, regenerate themselves, and repair damaged neural cells nearby.
These findings highlight the remarkable plasticity of cellular systems and challenge the long-held belief that cells can only follow predefined developmental pathways. The third state suggests that the death of an organism plays a crucial role in the transformation and continuation of life.
The study authors note that several factors influence whether cells and tissues can continue to function after death, including environmental conditions, metabolic activity and innate survival mechanisms.
The discovery of this third condition holds potential for medical advances. For example, anthropobots derived from human tissue could be used to deliver drugs without eliciting an immune response. They can even dissolve arterial plaques in conditions such as atherosclerosis.
Importantly, these multicellular organisms have a limited lifespan and degrade naturally after 4 to 6 weeks. This built-in “switch” helps prevent the uncontrolled growth of potentially harmful cells.
