Cells, man.

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Cells, man.

They are the smallest unit of life. And as such, they are the simplest sort of entity that displays the properties that we identify with life, one of which, possibly the most universal of which, is a relentless commitment to self-preservation. Life is not indifferent about its own existence, as is a rock or the cell phone I’m typing on right now.

It’s a interesting question about the long-term independent viability of neurons. The gene expression results after “death” are unexpected.

The high lipid content of the brain would provide physical protection against drying out and mechanical damage, and the fat would also provide a source of energy.

Cooling body temperature after circulation and respiration come to an end would cause things in the brain to stiffen up and slow down. Water loss would also slow down.

We know that electrical activity stops, perhaps ending the rapid global exchange that defines consciousness as we understand it. But what about local molecular exchange?

Anyway.

Weird.

http://www.newsweek.com/where-do-you-go-when-you-die-increasing-signs-human-consciousness-after-death-800443