In a paradigm-shifting discovery, researchers led by Professor Peter Noble at the University of Washington and Alex Pozhitkov at City of Hope National Medical Center have identified a "third state" that challenges traditional notions of life and death12. This state emerges when certain cells from deceased organisms continue to function and even develop new capabilities under specific conditions, such as the provision of nutrients, oxygen, or bioelectrical stimuli23. The findings, published in the journal Physiology, suggest that the transition between life and death may be more complex than previously thought, potentially redefining our understanding of cellular biology and the boundaries of existence14.

Researchers have observed remarkable examples of cellular reorganization in the "third state." Skin cells from deceased frog embryos spontaneously formed multicellular structures called xenobots, capable of using cilia to navigate their surroundings - a behavior far beyond their original biological function1. Similarly, human lung cells assembled into miniature organisms dubbed anthrobots, which demonstrated the ability to move independently, self-repair, and even heal nearby damaged neurons2. These findings highlight the unexpected plasticity of cells after an organism's death, opening up possibilities for creating biobots with entirely new functions from both living and deceased cellular material.

Researchers hypothesize that specialized channels and pumps embedded in cell membranes may act as intricate electrical circuits, generating signals that allow cells to communicate and execute specific functions in this "third state"12. Environmental factors, such as temperature and energy availability, play crucial roles in determining whether cells can enter this state postmortem. Additionally, variables like the organism's age, health, sex, and species type influence the potential for cells to persist in this unique condition3. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, ongoing research aims to uncover the fundamental processes that enable cellular survival and transformation beyond conventional definitions of life and death.

The discovery of this "third state" opens up exciting possibilities for medical advancements. Anthrobots, sourced from an individual's living tissue, could potentially be used as drug delivery systems without triggering unwanted immune responses1. These engineered biobots might also be employed to dissolve arterial plaque in atherosclerosis patients or remove excess mucus in those with cystic fibrosis2. Importantly, these cellular structures have a limited lifespan of up to 60 days, preventing the growth of potentially invasive cells3. This research not only provides new insights into cellular adaptability but also offers prospects for innovative treatments in regenerative medicine and personalized therapies4.

The discovery of a "third state" beyond traditional notions of life and death challenges our binary understanding of existence, blurring the lines between these seemingly distinct categories. This research reveals that the transition between life and death is more complex and nuanced than previously thought12.

• Continuum rather than binary: Instead of a clear-cut distinction between life and death, this discovery suggests a continuum where cellular activity and function can persist beyond conventional definitions of death3.

• Redefining death: The ability of cells to reorganize and develop new capabilities after an organism's death may necessitate a reevaluation of how we define and determine death, both legally and medically4.

• Philosophical implications: This finding raises profound questions about the nature of consciousness, identity, and the boundaries of individual existence, potentially altering our understanding of what it means to be "alive" or "dead"5.

These insights challenge us to adopt a more nuanced perspective on life and death, recognizing that the transition between these states may involve complex biological processes that extend beyond our traditional binary framework6.

The discovery of the "third state" beyond life and death could significantly impact human longevity research and potential interventions. This new understanding of cellular plasticity and function after organismal death opens up novel avenues for exploring aging processes and developing longevity-enhancing strategies:

• Regenerative medicine: The ability of cells to reorganize and develop new functions in the "third state" could lead to advanced tissue regeneration techniques, potentially reversing age-related damage in organs and tissues12.

• Cellular reprogramming: Insights from this research may inform new approaches to cellular rejuvenation, possibly allowing scientists to reset aging cells to a more youthful state without full reprogramming to stem cells3.

• Drug development: The creation of anthrobots and xenobots could revolutionize drug delivery systems, enabling more targeted and effective treatments for age-related diseases4. This may help extend healthspan and potentially lifespan.

• Understanding aging mechanisms: Studying how cells persist and function in this intermediate state could provide new insights into the fundamental processes of cellular aging and death, potentially revealing new targets for anti-aging interventions5.

By expanding our understanding of cellular biology beyond traditional boundaries, this research may ultimately contribute to developing more effective strategies for extending human healthspan and potentially lifespan.