Scientists Create Organisms in a Lab That Exist in a 'Third State' Beyond Life and Death .

 

In a breakthrough that sounds straight out of science fiction, researchers have developed organisms that exist in a "third state" of being—neither fully alive nor dead. This astonishing achievement is detailed in a new study published in *Physiology*. The scientists involved, including biologists Peter Noble and Alex Pozhitkov, explain in *The Conversation* that this discovery challenges our fundamental understanding of cellular behavior.

The concept of a third state of existence is remarkable in itself, but the implications are even more fascinating. Organisms are known to undergo radical changes—like caterpillars transforming into butterflies—but these are part of predictable life cycles. What makes these lab-created organisms unique is that they exhibit new, unpredictable functions. For instance, the biobots developed in this research can repair damaged neuron cells, a capability far beyond their original design.

These biobots represent an entirely new class of living organisms, able to perform tasks scientists didn’t foresee. Their potential extends beyond basic biological processes, opening the door for future innovations in biotechnology and medicine. This development could lead to further advancements in living robots, such as xenobots, that might one day be able to perform complex tasks we currently can't imagine.

As we continue to learn more about these mysterious organisms and their place beyond life and death, it will be fascinating to see where the research leads next.