**The Arrival of a “Third State” of Life: Researchers Develop Biobots from Living and Deceased Cells**
In an extraordinary advancement that blurs the lines between fiction and reality, researchers have successfully developed a novel form of life categorized as a “third state”—one that surpasses the established definitions of life and death. This groundbreaking discovery, featured in a recent article in the journal *Physiology*, has the capacity to transform our understanding of cellular dynamics, life, and even the concept of death itself.
### Understanding the “Third State”
The notion of a “third state” may evoke thoughts of a science fiction narrative, but it has now transitioned into scientific fact. Investigators Peter Noble and Alex Pozhitkov, the study’s co-authors, have examined the feasibility of creating biobots—biological robots—by merging cells from both live and deceased organisms. These biobots are not simply resurrected cells or grotesque reconstructions; they embody a completely new classification of life that challenges our established notions of biology.
In an article published in *The Conversation*, Noble and Pozhitkov articulate that this third state of being expands the conventional limits of our understanding regarding life and death. Typically, cells are categorized as either alive, exhibiting metabolic functions, or dead, having stopped all biological processes. However, these biobots exist in an intermediate realm, demonstrating capabilities and actions that are neither entirely living nor lifeless.
### Mechanism of Biobots
The biobots developed by this research group are fabricated using cells obtained from both living and deceased organisms. These cells are subsequently programmed to execute specific functions, yet what is truly astonishing is that the biobots can exceed their initial programming. For instance, certain biobots have been noted to repair impaired neuron cells in a nearby petri dish, an ability that was not preordained.
This capacity for autonomous and adaptive task performance distinguishes these biobots from other engineered life forms. Unlike conventional robots or even bioengineered entities that adhere to a strict set of commands, these biobots possess a level of adaptability and unpredictability reminiscent of natural life.
### Consequences for Science and Healthcare
The development of biobots in this unconventional state holds significant ramifications, particularly within the realms of healthcare and biotechnology. For example, the capacity of these biobots to mend damaged cells could lead to innovative therapies for neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. These biobots might be utilized to restore damaged tissue or even regenerate organs, unlocking new avenues in regenerative medicine.
Furthermore, the ability to fabricate these biobots from both living and deceased cells introduces new potential for organ preservation and transplantation. Envision a scenario in which cells from a deceased donor are repurposed into biobots that aid in repairing or regenerating tissues within a living recipient, thereby prolonging the functionality of donated organs and tissues.
### Moving Beyond Life and Death: A New Biological Frontier
One of the most intriguing elements of this research is its challenge to our basic comprehension of life. Traditionally, life has been delineated by specific biological processes, such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction, while death has been viewed as the termination of these functions. However, the presence of biobots in this third state indicates that the definitions of life and death may not be as straightforward as previously believed.
This new insight could prompt a reconsideration of how life is defined. For instance, certain organisms, like caterpillars, experience significant metamorphosis during their lives, transforming into butterflies. While these changes follow a predetermined biological journey, the biobots signify something altogether different: they are designed for particular roles yet have the capacity to evolve beyond their initial coding. This ability to adapt and undergo unexpected changes lends them a genuinely unique quality.
### The Prospects of Biobots and Living Robots
Although the creation of biobots in this third state is still nascent, the potential applications are extensive. Besides medical implementations, these biobots could be utilized in environmental remediation efforts, such as degrading pollutants or rehabilitating compromised ecosystems. They may also serve industrial functions, tackling tasks that are too hazardous or intricate for standard robots.
Moreover, this investigation could pave the way for the emergence of additional types of living robots, like xenobots—tiny, programmable entities derived from frog cells. These living robots could be engineered to accomplish a variety of tasks, from administering medications to particular areas of the body to removing microplastics from our oceans.
### Ethical Implications
As with any revolutionary scientific development, the advent of biobots raises significant ethical inquiries. What are the consequences of developing life forms that exist beyond conventional definitions of life and death? What regulatory measures should govern these biobots?
