Death does not always signify the end, especially when it comes to the parts of us we leave behind. Organ donation allows for the saving and treatment of lives through the generous contributions of organs like kidneys, livers, and hearts.
While we often think about donating certain parts of our bodies, there are other aspects we may not consider. When we pass away and our organs lack oxygen, tissue from the central nervous system becomes non-viable. Nevertheless, ingenious scientists are exploring potential solutions to this tissue problem.
A study featured in the journal Nature delves into the process of neuronal death and investigates the possibility of restoring life to these cells. To achieve this, researchers utilized a pair of eyes from an organ donor. Under the guidance of Fatima Abbas at the John A. Moran Eye Centre, University of Utah, the study succeeded in reactivating cells in the eyes to respond to light stimuli, even within five hours of acquiring them.
The scientists employed human retinas to mimic the central nervous system, leading to groundbreaking findings that could revolutionize studies in the human central nervous system. This newfound knowledge raises questions about the irreversibility of neuronal cell death and opens up new opportunities for visual rehabilitation.
Previously, researchers struggled to establish communication among different layers of the central (dead) retina due to the lack of oxygen. However, Frans Vinberg, a co-author of the study, devised a brilliant transportation unit that restored oxygenation and provided essential nutrients to the eyes of deceased donors within 20 minutes of their passing. Another invention by Vinberg allowed the team to record the first-ever ‘b wave’ signal from the central retina of postmortem human eyes. These b waves are crucial electrical signals related to the retina’s inner layers, and their successful recording indicates restored communication, similar to that of living eyes.
Vinberg enthusiastically explained, “We were able to make the retinal cells talk to each other, the way they do in the living eye to mediate human vision.” Hanneken, another study co-author, added that this approach could pave the way for treatments to improve vision and light signaling in eyes affected by macular diseases like age-related macular degeneration, potentially helping those who struggle with their vision.
This groundbreaking research now allows the scientific community to study human vision in ways that were previously impossible with laboratory animals. Vinberg expressed hope that this knowledge would inspire organ donor societies, donors, and eye banks, helping them recognize the exciting possibilities that such research offers.
In essence, the researchers are in need of more eyes to further their work.
There are remarkable cases where individuals have baffled doctors by coming back to life after extended periods of death. Velma Thomas, for instance, experienced a heart attack at her home in Virginia in 2008 and was taken to the hospital. Despite experiencing two more heart attacks and being placed on life support, she was clinically dead with no brain activity for 17 hours. Surprisingly, ten minutes after being taken off life support, she woke up, astonishing the medical team.
Heart specialist Kevin Eggleston admitted, “There are things that as physicians and nurses we can’t always explain.”I believe this to be one of those instances.” Her son, Tim, who had initially lost hope, recollected the divine confirmation he received from God and his pastor to detach her from the ventilator, given her dire condition. Hastening back, he discovered his mother to be alive and vigilant, a phenomenon deemed miraculous by Dr. Egglestone.”
This rare phenomenon, known as Lazarus syndrome or autoresuscitation after failed cardiopulmonary resuscitation, refers to the spontaneous return of a normal heart rhythm following unsuccessful attempts at resuscitation.
In addition to this, there have been instances where people who came back to life after dying claim to have glimpsed the afterlife. Scott Drummond from the US had a similar experience during a routine operation to fix his thumb. After his heart stopped, he recounted how he floated out of his body and observed himself on the operating table.
These incredible stories of revival after death remain shrouded in mystery, prompting contemplation about the boundaries of life and death.
