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.

As we today observe the World Dance Day, let us look at what dancing can help us with. Of course, the physical benefits are there. When you move your body, do any sort of physical activities, you are working out in some form and it helps you stay fit. Like everyone have their fitness regime, your dance routine can also help you stay fit. In fact there are certain fitness regime, including Zumba that keeps you fit through dance.

However, the benefits go much beyond just physical fitness, dancing can actually help you live a stress free life.

TikTok Dances For Mental Health

In one of the latest trends in TikTok, people are bringing back pangs of nostalgia to the internet with their 90s dance on rapper Doechii's song 'Anxiety' from the "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air".

Why is this trend important? With big names also jumping in and dancing to the rhythms, including Wil Smith and Tatyana Ali, experts say that this is helping ordinary people normalize anxiety.

Certain anxiety disorders are marked by persistent, or excessive worry. It could be fear about situations. As per the Mayo Clinic, these moments of anxiety can include panic attacks and sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort

Research suggest that creative activities, including dancing can help relieve this stress. Dancing also engages multiple areas of the brain and demands full attention, which can then shift the focus from anxiety feelings. Supporting this idea, a 2021 study from UCLA Health found that conscious dance led to mental health improvements in a large majority of participants, particularly those dealing with anxiety, depression, or a history of trauma.

Dancing: A Complete Stress Buster

Dance involves full-body movement and coordination. This kind of physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins—natural chemicals in the brain that act as mood boosters and stress relievers. During a panic attack, when anxiety can feel overwhelming, these endorphins help calm the body and mind.

Engaging in dance also activates deep breathing patterns, especially in structured styles like Indian classical dance. This is important because panic attacks often lead to rapid, shallow breathing or hyperventilation. The breath control involved in dancing can help slow things down and regulate the body’s response.

In addition, dance improves body awareness. When someone is in the middle of a panic attack, they often feel disconnected or dissociated from reality. Focusing on movement—on the placement of your arms, the rhythm of your steps, the tension in your muscles—can bring attention back to the present. This grounding effect helps reduce the intensity of the attack and prevents it from escalating.

Dance as a Distraction and a Mindfulness Tool

Experts explain that one reason dance can be so effective is because it serves as a powerful distraction. Instead of spiraling into anxious thoughts, the brain is forced to concentrate on movement, rhythm, and coordination. This temporary shift in focus can prevent panic from taking over.

Dance also builds mindfulness, a practice often recommended in therapy. Whether it's through a slow classical routine or a high-energy freestyle session, dance requires attention to the now. The combination of mental focus and physical release gives the body a chance to reset and relax.

Last year in June, when a woman collapsed on an escalator at Buffalo's airport, and Phil Clough, who is an experienced emergency medical responder knew exactly what to do. He and a bystander, as the Washington Post reported, quickly laid the woman flat on her back. They checked her pulse and breath. Her pulse was faint and her breathing was shallow and erratic. A few moments later, she stopped breathing altogether.

Realizing she might be experiencing a cardiac arrest, Clough immediately began performing chest compressions. He pressed hard and fast on the center of her chest while other bystanders called 911 and fetched an automated external defibrillator (AED). Within seconds of receiving a shock from the AED, the woman opened her eyes. By the time the airport rescue team arrived, just minutes later, she was conscious and able to speak.

Clough’s quick actions saved the woman’s life, but he credits his preparedness to a life-changing incident several years earlier. After witnessing a woman collapse at his gym and feeling helpless, he took a college course to become certified as an emergency medical responder. This training allowed him to respond with confidence when faced with a life-or-death situation.

The Challenge of Cardiac Arrest

The woman in Buffalo was fortunate that bystanders knew how to respond. Unfortunately, most people who experience cardiac arrest do not receive immediate help.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the U.S. annually. Tragically, 90% of these individuals do not survive, often because help arrives too late. For each minute that passes without intervention, a person’s chances of survival decrease by 10%. However, with prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and an AED shock if necessary, survival rates can double or even triple.

Despite the importance of swift intervention, fewer than half of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting receive immediate assistance. This lack of action is often due to a lack of training and preparedness. Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, but with public access to AEDs and trained bystanders, survival rates could improve dramatically.

The Role of AEDs in Saving Lives

A crucial part of treating cardiac arrest is the use of an AED, a portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart. The AED analyzes the heart’s rhythm and guides the user through the steps to apply a shock if needed. Although many states require AEDs to be available in public places such as airports and malls, they are not always easy to find. A study spanning 2019 to 2022 revealed that in public settings, AEDs were used only 7% of the time, and CPR was performed 42% of the time after a cardiac arrest incident.

To address this issue, PulsePoint, a nonprofit organization, has registered 185,000 AEDs in 5,400 U.S. communities, reports the Washington Post. The group’s goal is to help communities build their AED registries and integrate them with local 911 services. In addition, PulsePoint’s mobile app alerts trained CPR responders about nearby cardiac arrests and identifies the closest AEDs, enhancing the chances of saving a life.

Overcoming Barriers to Bystander Intervention

While CPR and AED knowledge can save lives, many people hesitate to intervene during an emergency due to fear of making a mistake, lacking confidence, or worrying about legal liability. However, all 50 states and Washington, D.C. have “Good Samaritan” laws that protect individuals from legal consequences when they provide help in a medical emergency.

Lack of CPR training is another significant barrier. A study found that only 18% of people had received CPR training within the last two years, which is crucial for skill retention. Although many people have received CPR training at some point in their lives, the skills may be outdated or forgotten.

To address this, some states have made CPR training mandatory for high school graduation, and countries like Denmark and Norway have implemented similar requirements. In the U.S., CPR courses are widely available online and in-person, and many take just a few hours to complete. These courses teach individuals the basics of CPR, which involves performing chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute and a depth of at least two inches.

You may have heard people say that they are allergic to things, whether it is gluten, soy or peanuts. These people avoid these items, even going as far as not dining in certain places where there is a possibility of cross contamination.

While it may seem like an overreaction, allergy symptoms can range from just a few rashes to cause of death. There are many people who did not and still do not take allergies seriously. As one of the most common allergies, many people who have close ones with peanut allergy, many places have opened “nut-free” zones including schools, offices and many public spaces.

While there is no cure for allergies, a new clinical trial results show that exposure therapy with peanut allergies has proven successful.

Why Do We Need Exposure Therapy?

The research team reported in the journal Allergy, April 2025, that a significant majority of the participants, more than two out of every three (67%), were able to eat at least five peanuts without triggering an allergic reaction after undergoing the treatment. This marks a positive step forward in managing this common and often severe allergy.

Seeing as expansive as the risk associated with allergies is, researchers have continued working towards proper cures and treatments. While there are precautions like avoiding the allergens, reducing exposure, when a person with a sever, allergy is exposed to the allergens, the chances of them going into anaphylaxis is a lot, so many people care EpiPens or epinephrine shot that can counter allergic reactions for a while.

How Does Exposure Therapy Work For Peanut Allergies?

The way exposure therapy works is pretty simple but needs to be done carefully. People who are allergic to peanuts are given very, very small amounts of peanut protein every day. Over time, the amount is slowly increased. It's like gently introducing the body to the thing it's allergic to, little by little. This helps the body learn that peanuts aren't actually a threat, and it starts to react less strongly. It's a gradual process, but the goal is to build up a person's ability to handle peanuts without having a dangerous allergic reaction.

In this study, 21 adults who were allergic to peanuts took part. Every day, they ate a small amount of peanut flour mixed in with their food. The goal was for them to be able to eat a small amount of peanut flour every day for at least a month without any problems. After that, they were tested to see how much peanut they could eat. The researchers were very happy with how well the treatment worked, saying that the results were similar to what they've seen in studies with kids.

The study showed some really impressive results in how much more peanut the participants could handle after the treatment. The researchers mentioned that on average, the amount of peanut they could eat without a reaction went up by a hundred times!

Why Are Researches Like This Important?

What makes this study really important is that it's the first-time scientists have specifically looked at how well exposure therapy works for adults with peanut allergies. Usually, this kind of treatment is done with kids because their bodies are still growing and changing. However, this new research shows that even adults, whose bodies are already fully grown, can still become less allergic to peanuts with this type of treatment. This opens up a whole new possibility for adults who have lived with this allergy for many years and haven't had many treatment options before. Many said that the treatment was "life-changing" and they no longer lived in constant fear of their allergy.