Scientists have seen thousands of genes coming to life up to 48 hours after animals die.
Don't worry, this isn't some kind of zombie apocalypse-style shit, it's just science once again blowing our goddamn minds.
A study by researchers at the University of Washington examined mice and zebra fish to look for genetic activity signs after death. Evidence now suggests that more than 1,000 genes are active after you die, and some of these only kick in 24 or even 48 hours after you've kicked the bucket.
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You may be thinking: 'why should I care?' Well, my friend, according to the Daily Mail, this discovery could have implications for improving organ transplants.
So you should care.
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These clever clogs found evidence of 'increased activity' in 1,063 genes after the animals had died. They believe that this might be down to the body 'shutting down and packing up'. When you're alive, the body is consistently directing resources to your DNA to keep it tightly packed and regulated. As this DNA loosens after death, it uncovers genes which were previously kept hidden away.
This is obviously just the beginning in terms of discovering what else the body does when it comes to death, but what an awesome start.
They've released the paper online, but if I'm honest it makes very little sense to a non-science type like myself. All I know is that once you die, your body is still sorting your shit out. Which is nice.
Thanks, body. Love you.
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Words by Mel Ramsay
Featured image credit: Getty
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Science