January 2017 PMID 28123054

Tracing the dynamics of gene transcripts after organismal death.

Alex E Pozhitkov, Rafik Neme, Tomislav Domazet-Lošo, Brian G Leroux, Shivani Soni, Diethard Tautz, Peter A Noble

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Mentions

132

Peak: 13 in Oct 2019

across 6 sources since Aug 2018

Extended reach

513,220

potential audience

Total likes

Video views

218

Mentions per month

Aug 2018 – Jun 2025

Where it's discussed

News71 articles
X / Twitter33 posts
Blogs17 articles
Facebook6 posts
Reddit3 posts
YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone highlights fascination with how gene activity persists after death, exemplified by phrases like 'spooky genes come to life' and expressions of surprise about gene expression occurring hours after death. The tone and choice of words convey curiosity and a sense of awe about the biological processes revealed, supporting the scores of high interest and moderate engagement.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the significance of the study, with some using phrases like 'fascinating' and 'important,' indicating general support.

InterestHigh interest

Many posts express curiosity and intrigue, especially with phrases like 'spooky genes' and references to the 'creepy' aspects, showing high interest.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts delve into specific aspects of gene activity after death, mentioning details about gene expression levels and biological implications, reflecting moderate engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

Discussions suggest the research might change perspectives on postmortem biology, though mostly in a speculative or intrigued manner, indicating subtle yet meaningful impact.

Abstract in brief

The study investigated how gene transcripts behave after organism death in mice and zebrafish, finding that 1063 genes actually show increased levels of mRNA after death, with some rising within the first 30 minutes and others at later times.
The research revealed distinct, non-random patterns in gene expression over time postmortem, indicating a stepwise process where specific gene categories such as stress response, immune function, and cell development become more active even after death.
These findings suggest that organismal death involves a gradual shutdown process, with certain genes temporarily increasing in activity, which could change how we understand the biological processes happening after death.]

Read the full abstract

All mentions

Postmortem Gene Activity and Its Implications in Biology and Forensics

After death, DNA remains active, with some genes, called ZombieGenes, being turned on. This study explores gene activity after death, revealing a stepwise upregulation of genes involved in stress response, immune…

GHGA - The German Human Genome-Phenome Archive · Aug 9, 2024 189 views

Postmortem Gene Activation Dynamics in Mice and Zebrafish

This study investigates how gene transcripts behave after organism death in mice and zebrafish, showing that over 1,000 genes increase in mRNA levels, especially within the first 30 minutes, indicating a stepwise…

Heavenly North · Aug 15, 2018 29 views

まねきねこ(薬害＆医療ミス被害、ME/CFS,PS8、パワハラ被害者)

@NA19H5hHBdTdrDr · X

RT @keisuke4713: @NA19H5hHBdTdrDr https://t.co/LUvuzsENyg

Jun 22, 2025 · 1 share · 1,408 followers View post →

tune

@keisuke4713 · X

@NA19H5hHBdTdrDr https://t.co/LUvuzsENyg

Jun 22, 2025 · 1 like · 1 share · 3,748 followers View post →

Hashem Hassan

@hashemo14 · X

Some cells, especially stem cells, try to survive and repair themselves after the death .

Jan 10, 2025 · 168 followers View post →

MJ Allen

@MJnanostretch · X

@ydeigin @SnupSnus https://t.co/BisRfTsndm https://t.co/OyUocTmgCC

Dec 20, 2024 · 4,367 followers View post →

Agingdoc

@agingdoc1 · X

Tracing the dynamics of gene transcripts after organismal death (2017) https://t.co/sYi127QNWg @RSocPublishing https://t.co/75fy0Tvv25

Jun 15, 2023 · 2 likes · 42,677 followers View post →

Fabian Staubach

@FabianStaubach · X

@minouye271 https://t.co/Ff56SYYqqz comes to mind

May 8, 2023 · 203 followers View post →

Royal Society Publishing

@RSocPublishing · X

The #spooky genes that come to life after we die - a look back at one of our favourite papers in #OpenBiology https://t.co/Gn6QJtVX07 #creepy #HappyHalloween

Oct 31, 2022 · 4 likes · 38,697 followers View post →

Av.Arb.Hasan Murt Retired medical doctor

@hasanmurt01 · X

RT @hitsujican: @virusfantom https://t.co/wE3PVyOezE Bu tamamen gerçek, videoda cımbızlama yapılmış.

Dec 7, 2021 · 1 share · 873 followers View post →

Uğurcan Sakızlı

@hitsujican · X

@virusfantom https://t.co/wE3PVyOezE Bu tamamen gerçek, videoda cımbızlama yapılmış.

Dec 7, 2021 · 3 likes · 1 share · 235 followers View post →

Isatou Sarr

@IsatouSarr4 · X

Tracing the dynamics of gene transcripts after organismal death https://t.co/XmlaR8J2bH

Nov 16, 2021 · 1 like · 51 followers View post →

joseph_cook1

@joseph_cook1 · X

@Biotech2k1 https://t.co/3cMOdALecp What Is interesting is the study of these systems after death. New cells can’t be produced after death. Glucose fuels cell division, and cells require oxygen to break down glucose into cellular energy. But mRNA transcript profiles become more abundant

Sep 4, 2021 · 356 followers View post →

know thyself（子豚のオリバー)

@thyself_know · X

RT @n0rr: お魚とネズミの死後マイクロアレイ https://t.co/72s6oEv8aB

Jul 27, 2021 · 1 share · 1,226 followers View post →

草

@n0rr · X

お魚とネズミの死後マイクロアレイ https://t.co/72s6oEv8aB

Jul 27, 2021 · 1 like · 1 share · 10,966 followers View post →

Debbie @ Genetic Lifehacks

@GeneticLifehack · X

Tracing the dynamics of gene transcripts after organismal death | Open Biology https://t.co/9ovs9EDmud

Mar 4, 2021 · 1,554 followers View post →

@I__am__Yu · X

昨日の夜みかけたツイートで思い出したネタ。死後にも動き出す遺伝子。プレプリントからちゃんと査読されたものになってたわ。奥が深いな。段階的なシャットダウンか。 https://t.co/fnTZISGcli https://t.co/SWvFiHOD70

Feb 22, 2021 · 170 followers View post →

Elizabeth Burak

@burak_elizabeth · X

@JaineFenn Royal Society Publishing‘s research article suggests that even 48-96 hours after death, gene expression and activity is occurring, and in some cases increasing in quantity. https://t.co/6Etum5k7o4 “Tracing the dynamics of gene transcripts after death”

May 30, 2020 · 9 followers View post →