Scientific Search of Life after Death
What happens after we die remains one of the great unanswered questions, whether you opt for the optimistic view, or subscribe to the bleaker view of yawning emptiness. But scientists have revealed that our genes may continue to fizz with 
activity for days after death. Evidence suggests that more than 1,000 genes are active post-mortem, some of which only grind into gear 24 hours after the event. As well as redefining our understanding of death, the discovery could have implications for improving organ transplants.
The study found evidence of increased activity in 1,063 genes after animals had died. The majority of the genes kick into action half an hour after the animals die, but some only seemed to ramp up after 24 or even 48 hours.
But rather than a random flicking on and off of genes, the analysis revealed those associated with stress response, some of which point to the animal trying to kick-start homeostasis, as well as those involved in embryonic development. Scientists believe this flurry of post-mortem activity may be the system shutting down and packing up. As the tightly packed DNA loosens after death, it uncovers genes which were previously kept quiet and under wraps. The findings shed new light on a question which scientists have long pondered – whether gene activity trails off gradually, or just stops after an animal dies.
Scientists have revealed that our genes may continue to fizz with activity for days after death (stock image).
