Life and death are traditionally viewed as opposites. But the emergence of new multicellular life-forms from the cells of a ...

For example, human bodies are made up of tens of trillions of cells. These cells differentiate into specific cell types with different functions. Bone cells are not the same as blood cells.

Research shows that there may be a third state between life and death where certain cells find new life as multicellular organisms.

However, eukaryotic cells have since diversified into many complex, multicellular organisms that we see around us every day—fungi, plants and animals—while prokaryotes have remained decidedly ...

Obligate multicellular organisms are those that must exist in a multicellular form throughout their life cycle. They cannot survive or function as single cells. Examples include most animals and ...

A study presents a striking example of cooperative organization among cells as a potential force in the evolution of multicellular life. The study is based on the fluid dynamics of cooperative ...

Cells can enter a third state only under certain conditions, however, and researchers are still not sure how they can continue to function after the death of the organism.

Characterizing the phenotypic behavior of single cells within their native microenvironment is crucial in revealing the pathophysiology of tissue. Current tools for studying multicellular systems are ...

Cells are the smallest unit of life. Cells in multicellular plants and animals are arranged into tissues, organs and organ systems.

But the emergence of new multicellular life-forms from the cells of a dead organism introduces a “ third state ” that lies beyond the traditional boundaries of life and death.

For example, how does the organism ensure all cells in its body receive the nutrients they need to grow? This is why most animals and plants evolved specific structures to transport nutrients.