Scientists have made a shock discovery that thousands of genes come back to life in a corpse TWO DAYS after animals die.
In what could be a step towards the answer to one of the greatest questions of mankind – whether there is life after death? – it could also have implications for organ transplants .
Scientists have long pondered whether gene activity gradually trails off – or completely stops – after an animal dies.
New evidence uncovered by researchers at the University of Washington in fact, shows more than 1,000 genes remain active post-mortem – some of which only begin to splutter into action 24-48hrs after the event.
And any thought that it’s some kind of reflex action – or some random genes flickering on and off – can be quickly discounted.
Moreover, the genes in question are associated with stress response – suggesting the animals are trying to re-establish activity – as well some connected with embryonic development.
More than half of the active genes are coded for proteins while the others were regulatory – indicating significant energy is still being used.
One theory is that DNA, which is tightly packed, loosens up after death freeing genes which were previously kept from being active to roam.
Researchers conducted experiments on zebra fish and mice – and discovered increased activity in 1,063 genes after the animals had died.