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Scientists restore blood flow and cell function throughout bodies of dead pigs

Scientists announced Wednesday they have restored blood flow and cell function throughout the bodies of pigs that were dead for an hour, in a breakthrough experts say could mean we need to update the definition of death itself.

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'DEMISE OF CELLS CAN BE HALTED' The scientists then pumped the bodies with a liquid containing the pigs' own blood, as well as a synthetic form of haemoglobin -- the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells -- and drugs that protect cells and prevent blood clots. Blood started circulating again and many cells began functioning including in vital organs such as the heart, liver and kidney, for the next six hours of the experiment.