An American study has claimed a "third state" exists after life and death. Researchers say cells in the organs of deceased bodies adopt new functions after the body dies. The scientists explained how cells transform after the host organism dies. They said their research demonstrates "the inherent plasticity of cellular systems and challenge the idea that cells and organisms can evolve only in predetermined ways".

The scientists say there are two kinds of "biobot" in the third state. A biobot is a biological robot that exists in nature and can carry out tasks like moving and reacting. One biobot is called a "xenobot". This divides cells into new multi-cellular organisms. Other biobots are "anthrobots". These self-assemble cells and move around. The scientists said xenobots exist "beyond the traditional boundaries of life and death".