What if there exists an intermediary state between life and death? Recent groundbreaking research suggests that for certain cells, death may not signify an end but rather a commencement of unforeseen processes, giving rise to peculiar entities known as xenobots.
In a new episode, editors Andrew Daniels and John Gilpatrick from Popular Mechanics delve into these minute clusters of frog stem cells, which researchers have engineered to exhibit autonomous movement, healing abilities, and organization. Although these creations are not technically alive, they also do not conform to the traditional definition of death.
Daniels and Gilpatrick discuss how these ‘living robots’ could redefine our perspectives on evolution, consciousness, and the very essence of humanity. They pose provocative questions: Can the cells within our bodies possess independent thought? Is consciousness present not only in brains but also within tissues and organs? Some scientists advocate for this view, while others dismiss it as pseudoscience, fueling a lively ongoing debate.
To explore this intriguing topic further, watch the full episode above and discover more engaging content from the Astounding Pop Mech Show at PopularMechanics.com.
