Between Life And Death, Your Cells Are Conscious- Alive In The Unexpected State Of Being

Updated Feb 28, 2025 | 12:53 PM IST

SummaryStudies suggest that certain human cells can survive and function for hours or even days after death, with white blood cells persisting for up to 86 hours postmortem.
Between Life And Death, Your Cells Are Conscious- Alive In The Unexpected State Of Being

Image Credits: Canva

The biological process of human life is simple, we're born, we live, and one day we die. But at the cellular level, this apparently simple course is far more complicated. Every human body is a highly complex ecosystem made up of approximately 30 trillion human cells and an equally staggering number of microbes, all functioning together in concert to maintain what we recognize as life.

As researchers discover the cryptic "third state" of life, the question is one of enormity—may near-death experiences have something to do with it? If cells are able to continue and reorganize after an organism has died, could human consciousness do the same in ways we're not yet aware of? Survivors of near-death experiences report vivid dreams, a tunnel vision of light, or a feeling of calm. But what happens to those who don't come back? May their cells be undergoing a change, a try to reorganize in some fashion we haven't yet understood? This brings into question the nature of death, of consciousness, and beyond.

However, new studies indicate that for certain cells, death is not the final act but a precursor to something surprising. This groundbreaking idea—the so-called "third state"—hypothesizes that under certain circumstances, certain cells, even after the death of an organism, may reorganize and form new functions, throwing our basic definitions of life and death into doubt.

The concept of a third state initially gained scientific momentum with the emergence of xenobots—AI-created multicellular creatures that exhibit autonomy outside their initial biological purpose. These small biological robots are constructed from frog embryo cells, which, when introduced into new environments, spontaneously reconfigure and assume new functions. For instance, instead of employing their hair-like cilia to move mucus as they would in a living frog, xenobots redirect these structures for mobility.

This phenomenon proves that cells are capable of being reassembled into new shapes and functions even after the death of an organism. Researchers opine that this postmortem cellular plasticity is not exclusive to xenobots. Human cells, or "anthrobots," also display such actions, proving the ability for posthumous cellular reorganization and transformation.

Are Cells Conscious After Death?

At the center of this controversy stands a challenging query: are cells conscious? Physician and evolutionary biologist William Miller takes on this theory in his work The Sentient Cell, an argument that puts forth the hypothesis that cells enjoy a type of cognitive capacity. The Cellular Basis of Consciousness (CBC) hypothesis proposes that cells do not blindly obey instructions from their genetics but rather are shown to implement decision-making activity, flexibility, and self-conserve mechanisms, all of which are akin to a primitive mode of consciousness.

While classical biological models portray genes as the ultimate controllers, Miller suggests that genes behave more as tools than controllers. Cellular intelligence is instead the driver of cooperation, mutual support, and problem-solving, underpinning multicellular life. This transforms the classical survival of the fittest paradigm to one of survival through collaboration and adaptability.

What Happens to Cells After Death?

Historically, death has been defined as irreversible loss of organismal biological activity. Yet such medical procedures as organ donation illustrate that some organs, tissues, and cells maintain their functional properties even after death—sometimes for hours, days, or weeks under optimal circumstances.

A number of factors will decide whether cells survive after death. Environmental parameters, the state of metabolism, and methods of preservation are all important. Human white blood cells, for instance, can last between 60 and 86 hours from the time of death, while those of mice skeletal muscle can regenerate two weeks after death. Some fibroblast cells in sheep and goats have even been grown up to a month following the organism's death.

In addition, researchers have discovered that certain human lung cells are capable of self-assembling into small multicellular structures that can move and heal themselves. These "anthrobots" exhibit a capacity to explore their environment and repair injured neurons—abilities that contradict traditional assumptions about cellular behavior following death.

How Do Postmortem Cells Work?

Cells' survival following the death of an organism relies on a number of biochemical processes. Some researchers believe that cell membrane specialized channels and pumps act as complex electrical circuits that coordinate cellular communication, organization, and movement. Stress- and immune-related genes also have heightened activity after death, and this implies that cells are striving to make up for lost homeostasis.

Age, health, trauma, infection, and type of species affect the duration of time cells will survive after death. For instance, islet cells in the pancreas, which secrete insulin, are notoriously hard to transplant because of their high demand for energy and susceptibility to attack by the immune system. Uncovering how certain cells resist the process of decay could transform organ transplantation and regenerative medicine.

Can We Harness the Third State for Treatment?

The third state has very significant implications for biotechnology and medicine. Among its possible uses are in personalized medicine, where drugs might be delivered using anthrrobots made from the patient's own cells, to repair tissues or fight diseases.

For example, engineered anthrobots could be programmed to dissolve arterial plaque in atherosclerosis patients or clear excess mucus in cystic fibrosis patients. Unlike synthetic drugs, these living cellular machines would not trigger immune rejection and could biodegrade naturally within weeks, minimizing long-term risks.

In addition, the third state of matter idea might lead to next-generation regenerative therapies, potentially enabling researchers to revive lost functions in injured organs or even extend transplantable organ preservation times. The discovery of the mechanisms behind how some cells are able to survive and adapt following death might also yield essential knowledge on aging, neurodegeneration, and immunity.

As study of the third state increases, it threatens our traditional notions of biology, consciousness, and the very nature of death. If cells are in some sense intelligent, as scientists argue, then life itself must be redefined. What we might view as the "end" is merely a stage of biological change, in which cells rearrange themselves and accommodate different functions in a manner previously unknown.

The applications of this study go far beyond the realm of medicine; they border on philosophical and ethical considerations regarding consciousness, identity, and the very nature of what it means to be alive. As science continues to peel away layers of cell behavior, one thing remains for sure—life, as we have always known it, is much more complex and mysterious than we have ever conceived.

More than Just Near-Death Experiences

This study also opens up an interesting possibility: might near-death experiences have something to do with the third state? Researchers have long reported instances of people having vivid, life-changing experiences at the time of clinical death—seeing light, meeting dead relatives, or feeling themselves float above their bodies. If cells are still able to function and reorganize after death, might this activity be responsible for these experiences, rather than just hallucinations?

Some scientists now question whether such experiences are a cellular-level phenomenon even in individuals who cannot be resuscitated. If cells preserve some sort of consciousness or decision-making capacity after biological death, it would change our concept of both consciousness and the line between life and death.

The third stage between life and death is no longer an outlying theory—it is a phenomenon witnessed by scientists with far-reaching medical, ethical, and philosophical consequences. While scientists continue to study how cells survive and change following the death of an organism, our perception of life itself may be poised on the verge of a paradigm shift.

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Ozempic Warning: Could It Really Cause Stomach Paralysis And Uncontrollable Vomiting?

Updated Jun 17, 2025 | 04:09 PM IST

SummarySome Ozempic users have reported severe gastrointestinal side effects like stomach paralysis and uncontrollable vomiting. While rare, these cases highlight the importance of medical supervision and personalized treatment when using GLP-1 drugs.
Ozempic Warning: Could It Really Cause Stomach Paralysis And Uncontrollable Vomiting?

Credits: Canva

Ozempic might have started as a breakthrough diabetes drug but its story has rapidly evolved into into something far more complicated and controversial. Initially used to suppress appetite and aid weight loss, the medication is now being questioned as an increasing number of patients experience incapacitating gastrointestinal side effects that don't necessarily resolve after withdrawing from the therapy. As the line blurs between miracle medication and medical mystery, it's time to move past the hype and question harder what Ozempic is actually doing in the body.

Over the past year, drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed from prescription treatments for diabetes and obesity into household names. Their popularity has soared not just in clinics but across TikTok and weight-loss forums, lauded for their dramatic slimming results. But as prescriptions rise, so do concerns — and a disturbing new question is gaining traction: Can these medications cause stomach paralysis and relentless vomiting?

The American U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed it received reports of these types of symptoms, and in one notable case, a Louisiana woman sued claiming serious gastrointestinal damage from Ozempic and another GLP-1 agonist, Mounjaro. With attention from the media mounting and patient testimonials mounting, let's sort through fact versus fear and examine the science behind the sensational accusations.

In order to get an idea of the possible side effects, it's important to break down how these medications act. Ozempic and Wegovy and their pharmaceutical relatives are members of a group called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They replicate the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone, a naturally occurring substance secreted by the digestive system after consuming food. The hormone does three primary things: slows gastric emptying, suppresses hunger, and enhances insulin sensitivity.

It's this deceleration of stomach emptying — often referred to as the stomach's "braking system" — that is primarily to blame for both the weight-reduction effects and, perhaps, the concerning side effects being reported by users.

Can Ozempic Cause Stomach Paralysis?

Numerous users have reported nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a sense of intense fullness — all symptoms now being linked with gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis. Gastroparesis is an illness where the stomach resides too long in digestion, and although not officially recognized as a direct cause of GLP-1 agonists, case study reports and anecdotal data are growing.

FDA representatives have informed some of the media that they are considering these allegations. In the meantime, doctors such as Dr. Daniel Levinthal have admitted that slowing gastric emptying is a recognized side effect of these medications — something seen in trials and described as such on the drug information leaflets.

Most patients are able to endure these symptoms quite easily, especially if treatment begins with a low dose and is gradually increased. For the very small minority of users — particularly those with preexisting illness such as type 1 diabetes — the stomach slowdown can become more than just an annoyance. It can become a crippling condition.

In the first lawsuit of its type, a woman from Louisiana has filed a suit against the makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro following severe and long-term gastrointestinal damage that she supposedly suffered. According to her, the medications induced stomach paralysis, which resulted in hospitalizations and permanent damage.

Although one court case doesn't establish causation, it raises significant questions about whether current prescription labels reflect fully possible long-term risks particularly because these drugs are being more commonly prescribed for weight control in healthy people.

Also Read: Bizarre Penis Changes, Eye Strokes, Creepy ‘Walking Dead’ Hands: Alarming Ozempic Side Effects Shocking The World

What is Cyclic Vomiting?

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is another condition that's been in the crosshairs of the Ozempic discussion. Unlike gastroparesis, with its chronic symptoms that are usually related to eating, CVS is an episodic illness that hits abruptly with severe bouts of vomiting followed by relatively good periods.

One of the users of Ozempic, according to CNN, reported experiencing CVS despite having discontinued the drug. Experts warn against pinpointing the same directly with GLP-1 drugs. CVS has a multifactorial set of causes from infection to stress and is not necessarily bound by the same biological process as gastroparesis.

Nevertheless, the lines are not clearly drawn. Certain specialists hint that for those with an inborn predisposition to gastrointestinal sensitivity, GLP-1 agonists may be a catalyst, exacerbating already-present problems or revealing underlying disorders.

So, who's at greatest risk? Endocrinologists say that those with type 1 diabetes, earlier gastrointestinal illness, or neuropathy involving the vagus nerve — the nerve that assists in regulating stomach emptying — may be at higher risk of having wild reactions. Type 2 diabetics also undergo these effects but typically with less severe symptoms that diminish over time.

Experts highlight the importance of proper medical monitoring. These drugs are effective agents, but they need close monitoring, particularly with dose escalation. Patients should be taught about diet changes and meal times to minimize side effects.

How to Use Ozempic To Supplement Your Diet?

As telemedicine and online prescriptions become more popular, more individuals are gaining access to weight-loss drugs — but not necessarily in the best of conditions. Specialists emphatically warn against self-medication or procuring these drugs via informal means.

Food habits, underlying illnesses, and other medications all contribute to how a person might react to GLP-1 medications. Skipping meals, eating high-fat meals, or eating hastily can increase gastrointestinal effects. Patients are advised by healthcare providers to:

  • Begin with low doses and gradually titrate
  • Consume frequent small meals
  • Limit fatty or greasy meals
  • Drink plenty of water and avoid meal skipping

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, asserts that GI side effects are well-established and well-documented, usually mild to moderate, and usually remitting over time. The company points to more than 15 years of clinical data attesting to the safety of their GLP-1 products, including continued post-market surveillance by the FDA.

Still, their public statement acknowledges that gastric emptying delay, nausea, and vomiting are all listed in the drug’s side effect profile, a crucial detail that patients must consider before beginning treatment.

Should you be concerned? Not at all but you should know. As with all drugs, Ozempic and its cousins have risks. For the majority, the side effects are mild and temporary. But for some, particularly those who have preexisting medical conditions, it can be worse.

If you're thinking of or taking a GLP-1 agonist, discuss your history with your doctor, keep an eye out for symptoms, and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. The potential for weight loss should never be at the expense of gut health and making savvy decisions is your best protection.

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Unexpected Sign Of Lung Conditions Can Be Hidden Right At Your Fingertips

Updated Jun 17, 2025 | 03:00 PM IST

SummaryEarly signs of illnesses can often show up in unexpected places. Being able to identify them can help you get proper and early treatment.
Unexpected Sign Of Lung Conditions Can Be Hidden Right At Your Fingertips

Sometimes signs of chronic and serious diseases can show up in the most unexpected ways and places. One such condition is Bronchiectasis. It is a chronic lung condition that damages your airways, leading to excessive phlegm production. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute explains that this damage to your airways can hurt your lungs, as it will cause them to expand, become loose and scarred.

It has a big range of symptoms, some of which may seem unrelated to lungs. While there's typically no cure, the treatments available can help you manage the condition and also help you improve the quality of your life.

Bronchiectasis affects approximately one in 200 adults in the UK. The damage to your lungs and airways results in an overproduction of phlegm. This excess mucus can lead to various complications and presents a variety of symptoms.

However, an issue with conditions like this is that many times early warnings can go ignored or misidentified by people. Hence learning these crucial signs can help you get the treatment you need. Bronchiectasis may be a lung disease; however, its signs can be seen at your fingertips!

Unusual Early Warning Signs

According to Asthma + Lung UK, one surprising early indicator of bronchiectasis is "clubbing" of the fingertips. This refers to the swelling and rounding of the fingertips around the nails. It often occurs due to chronically low blood oxygen levels, which can be a consequence of lung diseases like bronchiectasis.

Pelvic Floor Issues

Lung conditions like bronchiectasis can put extra strain on your muscles, including those in your bladder, bottom, and pelvic floor. As a result, individuals with bronchiectasis may experience incontinence, such as slight urination or defecation, especially during exertion like coughing or laughing.

Common Bronchiectasis Symptoms

Beyond the more unusual signs, common symptoms of bronchiectasis include:

  • A persistent cough with sputum (phlegm)
  • Repeated chest infections
  • Breathlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain or tightness

How Is Bronchiectasis Diagnosed

The American Lung Association explains that diagnosing bronchiectasis can be tricky because its symptoms often look like other lung problems. But getting an early diagnosis is really important to stop more damage to your lungs.

If your doctor thinks you might have bronchiectasis, they'll usually start by asking about your family's health history and ordering blood tests. These tests can help them figure out if you have an underlying condition that might be causing the bronchiectasis or if your body's infection-fighting cells are low.

Other tests include chest X-ray, lung function test which would measure how much can you breathe in and out, sputum culture, which will sample your phlegm to catch any infection. Sometimes, doctors order sweat test to see if you have cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that can lead to bronchiectasis.

In some severe cases, if bronchiectasis isn't getting better with treatment, doctors might suggest a bronchoscopy. This procedure involves putting a thin, flexible tube into your airways. It helps them find any blockages or sources of infection that are hard to see otherwise.

Managing Your Condition

While bronchiectasis is generally incurable, treatment aims to control symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. Management strategies include:

Lifestyle Changes

Quitting smoking is strongly advised to help manage the condition more effectively.

Respiratory Physiotherapy

A respiratory physiotherapist can teach you techniques to effectively clear excess phlegm from your airways.

Medication

These are often prescribed to fight chest infections and flare-ups. If you experience frequent flare-ups, long-term antibiotic use may be necessary.

Surgery

In rare cases, surgery might be needed to repair lung damage or if a ruptured blood vessel in the lung leads to coughing up blood.

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Can A Quick Visit To A Salon Increase Your Risk Of Hepatitis B?

Updated Jun 17, 2025 | 02:31 PM IST

SummaryA viral video claims threading may spread Hepatitis B, but doctors dismiss it as unproven, warning against fear-mongering without scientific evidence or documented cases.
can threading increase your chances of Hepatitis b?

Credits: Instagram

We all love a bit of touch up, whether on a regular day or for an event. For millions of women across the globe, threading is a regular part of their beauty routine. From shaping eyebrows to removing unwanted facial hair, this grooming technique is practiced weekly or monthly and is widely considered quick, safe, and inexpensive.

But a recent video from a doctor turned influencer has caused a stir online by claiming that threading — like tattooing and body piercing — can potentially spread Hepatitis B, a serious liver infection.

What Did The Doctor Say?

In a video that has garnered over 400,000 views within two days, Dr Vishal Gabale, an internal medicine doctor from Navi Mumbai, narrates a case where three young women, all of whom had visited the same threading salon, tested positive for Hepatitis B with identical virus strains.

Dr Gabale says he investigated the case like a “medical mystery,” and found the common link between the patients was their visit to the same salon. Citing a 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) bulletin, he claims that Hepatitis B has been known to spread through tattooing, razor-sharing, and “even cosmetic procedures like threading.”

According to him, threading can cause micro-abrasions, and if contaminated tools or threads are used, the virus could survive for days — even without visible blood.

Medical Experts Respond with Skepticism

However, not all doctors are convinced. A dermatologist based in Hyderabad acknowledges that if threading causes skin abrasions, transmission is “theoretically possible,” but stresses that no confirmed case has ever been recorded.

“Tattoos are a different story — they break the skin and do carry a risk. But threading is far more superficial,” he said. “If threading was truly risky, we’d have seen documented evidence by now, considering how common the practice is.”

He also criticized the influencer’s decision to disable comments on the video, making it harder for experts to counter misleading claims.

Missing Evidence and Misleading Sources

Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar also raised concerns. He pointed out a small disclaimer in the video saying it’s “only for educational purposes” and presents a theoretical risk — suggesting the doctor hadn’t treated any actual Hepatitis B cases linked to threading.

“The issue is that viewers may miss that disclaimer and assume the risk is real. But to date, not a single case report has linked Hepatitis B transmission to threading — that’s significant,” Dr Kumar explained.

About the WHO bulletin cited in the video, the doctor reportedly shared a screenshot of an unrelated 2010 article, which did not reference threading and wasn’t published by WHO.

Beauty Risks vs. Clickbait

Dr Kumar added that while there are documented links between Hepatitis B and procedures like tattooing, body piercing, manicures, or even shaving with unsterile equipment, threading has never been associated with such risk, reported The South First.

He warns against fear-mongering and called the video an example of “clickbait,” made worse by its origin — a doctor, not just an influencer.

“Threading doesn’t typically break the skin. Unlike tattooing or piercings, it doesn’t create the conditions necessary for virus transmission. We must focus on real risks — unprotected sex, reused medical needles, and poor hygiene in clinical settings — not unproven, hypothetical scenarios,” he said.

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