Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Tracing Backwards What Makes a Body Becomes Alive?



by:

ju-boo lim

On Monday, November 7, 2022 I wrote an explanation on:

The Irreversible Chemistry of Death (Part 1)

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/search?q=irreversible+chemistries+of+death

Ever since I have been wondering why do all these chemical changes take place on death?  I asked myself, why shouldn’t these changes take place when there is life in the body if these are just pure chemistry or biochemistry with the reactants reacting with each other continuously as long as there is fuel (food) in the body whether or not in life or in death?  Why must these changes occur only when life leaves the body?

Today, I shall explain more than what I wrote slightly more than two years ago after having read forensic science and forensic medicine at the University of Cambridge for my postdoctoral in 2020.  

Let me go over these changes once again tracing it from after death backwards to life in the beginning to see if we can get the answer to the age-old question that has troubled the best ancient minds to the most learned intellectual scientific brains of the 21st Century currently. Instead of starting from the beginning on the origin of life, let me do it backwards this time starting from death instead and trace its path to the beginning of life, shall we? Follow me in this journey of learning and see how it goes – whether or not we can answer this mystery what exactly is life, and how do we define it?

The process of death and the subsequent changes in the human body are complex and fascinating, involving a series of physical, chemical, and biological transformations. I'll describe these changes chronologically from the moment of death, progressing over a period of up to a month.

Moment of Death (Immediate Changes)

Cessation of Circulation and Respiration: The heart stops beating, and blood circulation ceases, leading to a lack of oxygen (anoxia) in the tissues.

Loss of Consciousness and Reflexes: Brain activity halts within seconds to minutes due to the absence of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness and cessation of all reflex actions.

0–15 Minutes After Death

Pallor Mortis: The body begins to pale as blood stops circulating. This is most noticeable in lighter-skinned individuals. The blood settles due to gravity, causing a blanching effect in areas where it drains away from the skin.

Relaxation of Muscles: Immediately after death, all muscles, including the sphincters, relax. This relaxation may result in the release of urine or faeces

Cessation of Cellular Metabolism: Cells switch from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism due to the absence of oxygen, leading to the production of lactic acid and a drop in pH.

 15 Minutes to 2 Hours After Death:

Algor Mortis (Cooling of the Body): The body begins to cool at a rate of approximately 1-1.5 °C per hour until it reaches ambient temperature. This rate can be influenced by environmental conditions and the person's body composition.

Livor Mortis (Hypostasis): As the blood settles under gravity, it pools in the lower parts of the body, causing a reddish-purple discoloration of the skin. This begins within 20-30 minutes and becomes fixed after 6-12 hours, indicating the position of the body at the time of death. 

Moment of Death (Immediate Changes): 

2 to 6 Hours After Death:

Rigor Mortis: Muscle stiffness begins due to chemical changes within muscle cells. The depletion of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) prevents the dissociation of actin and myosin filaments, causing the muscles to stiffen. Rigor mortis typically starts in the smaller muscles of the face and progresses to the limbs.

pH Change: The build-up of lactic acid lowers the pH in tissues, further contributing to muscle stiffness.

Progression of Rigor Mortis: Rigor mortis peaks at around 12 hours, affecting the entire body. The stiffness then begins to diminish after 24-48 hours as the muscle proteins start to break down due to autolysis and decomposition.

Autolysis: The process of self-digestion begins as enzymes from lysosomes (such as proteases) start breaking down cellular components. This typically starts in tissues with high enzyme activity, like the liver and pancreas.

24 to 72 Hours After Death:

Putrefaction Begins: The breakdown of tissues by bacteria leads to visible signs of decomposition. Anaerobic bacteria from the gut and external environment start breaking down proteins, leading to the production of gases such as hydrogen sulphide, methane, and ammonia.

6 to 24 Hours After Death

Progression of Rigor Mortis: Rigor mortis peaks at around 12 hours, affecting the entire body. The stiffness then begins to diminish after 24-48 hours as the muscle proteins start to break down due to autolysis and decomposition.

Autolysis: The process of self-digestion begins as enzymes from lysosomes (such as proteases) start breaking down cellular components. This typically starts in tissues with high enzyme activity, like the liver and pancreas.

Greenish Discoloration: The abdomen, especially around the right iliac fossa, may take on a greenish colour due to the breakdown of haemoglobin and the formation of sulphur haemoglobin.

Marbling Effect: Veins close to the skin may appear dark due to the presence of sulphur compounds reacting with haemoglobin, creating a marbled pattern.

 3 to 7 Days After Death

Bloating: The accumulation of gases produced during putrefaction leads to noticeable bloating of the body, especially in the abdomen. The pressure from these gases may cause bodily fluids to leak from orifices.

Skin Slippage: The outer layer of the skin (epidermis) begins to loosen from the underlying tissue, often leading to blistering and peeling.

1 to 2 Weeks After Death

Advanced Decomposition: The body's tissues begin to liquefy. The gases produced in the intestines and tissues escape, causing the bloating to subside. The skin may turn black as the breakdown products continue to accumulate.

Insect Activity: Insects, particularly flies, begin to lay eggs, and maggots start feeding on the tissues, significantly accelerating decomposition. This stage is crucial for forensic entomologists to estimate the time of death.

3 to 4 Weeks After Death

Skeletonization (Partial): The body's soft tissues are increasingly consumed by bacteria, insects, and other scavengers. At this stage, the body is often reduced to bones, cartilage, and some remnants of tissue.

Adiopocere Formation: In certain conditions (especially in moist environments), fat tissues may undergo saponification, forming a waxy substance called adiopocere. This process slows decomposition and can preserve the body for months to years.

After 1 Month

Complete Skeletonization (If Conditions Are Optimal): 

In hot, dry climates, the body may become mummified, while in other conditions, it might be reduced to skeletons with some remnants of soft tissue. In moist, anaerobic conditions, adiopocere can form, preserving parts of the body.

Bone Decomposition: Over longer periods, the bones themselves will decompose, albeit at a much slower rate. Environmental factors like soil acidity can affect this process, potentially breaking down the bones over several years.

Chemical Changes Overview:

ATP Depletion: Leads to rigor mortis due to the inability of muscles to relax.

Enzymatic Autolysis: Cellular enzymes digest tissues, beginning in highly enzymatic organs (liver, pancreas).

Putrefaction: The breakdown of proteins into simpler compounds like amines, organic acids, and gases.

Fat Breakdown: Lipid oxidation and the action of lipases contribute to the production of fatty acids and adiopocere.

Microbial Activity: Bacteria and fungi proliferate, leading to further decomposition and nutrient recycling.

Factors Influencing Decomposition:

Temperature: Warmer temperatures accelerate enzymatic activity and microbial growth.

Humidity: Moist conditions favour microbial activity, whereas dry conditions can lead to mummification.

Environment: Presence of oxygen, insects, and scavengers can either hasten or slow the process.

These sequential changes are used in forensic science to estimate the time of death, understand the circumstances around death, and identify possible post-mortem changes influenced by environmental factors. The detailed knowledge of these processes is crucial for forensic pathologists and entomologists when investigating unexplained deaths.

Let’s now go backwards from death to life.  So may I now ask what prevented all the physical and chemical to take place in a normal living person.

This question brings us to the core of what separates life from death at the molecular and physiological level. In a living person, a host of tightly regulated biological processes prevent the physical and chemical changes seen in death. Here’s my overview of the key mechanisms that maintain this delicate balance:

Homeostasis: The Balancing Act of Life

Definition: Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. This includes regulating temperature, pH, electrolyte balance, oxygen levels, and more.

Examples:

Temperature Control: The hypothalamus acts as a thermostat, regulating body temperature through mechanisms like sweating, shivering, and altering blood flow to the skin.

Blood pH Regulation: The respiratory and renal systems work to maintain blood pH around 7.35–7.45 by regulating carbon dioxide (via breathing) and bicarbonate levels (via kidney function).

Homeostasis ensures that the cellular environment remains optimal for biochemical reactions to take place efficiently.

Oxygen and Energy Supply: Cellular Respiration:

Oxygen Supply: Continuous respiration ensures a constant supply of oxygen to tissues. Haemoglobin in red blood cells transports oxygen to cells, where it is used in mitochondrial respiration.

ATP Production: The production of ATP via aerobic respiration (using oxygen) is critical for muscle function and all cellular processes. ATP serves as the energy currency of cells and is necessary for:

Actin-Myosin Detachment: In living muscles, ATP binds to myosin, allowing it to release from actin after a contraction, thus preventing rigor mortis.

Ion Pumps Functioning: Sodium-potassium pumps and calcium pumps in cell membranes maintain ion gradients, crucial for nerve and muscle cell activity.

Without ATP, these processes cease, leading to the onset of rigor mortis, as seen after death.

Active Cellular Maintenance and Repair:

Autophagy and Apoptosis: In living cells, damaged or dysfunctional components are either repaired or recycled through autophagy (cellular clean-up) or removed via programmed cell death (apoptosis). This prevents the build-up of toxic substances.

Protein Turnover: Proteins in cells are constantly being synthesized and degraded. This turnover prevents the accumulation of damaged proteins and maintains the functionality of cellular structures.

Immune System Defence:

Microbial Control: The immune system actively detects and destroys pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses that could initiate decomposition. White blood cells, antibodies, and various enzymes prevent bacterial colonization in living tissues.

Inflammatory Response: If tissues are damaged or infected, the immune system triggers an inflammatory response to limit infection and start the healing process.

After death, the immune system ceases to function, allowing bacteria, especially from the gut, to proliferate unchecked and initiate putrefaction.

Enzymatic Regulation and Cellular pH Balance:

Enzyme Inhibition and Activation: In living cells, enzymes are tightly regulated by various factors such as temperature, pH, and the presence of specific inhibitors or activators. The cellular environment is kept within a narrow pH range to ensure optimal enzyme activity.

Lactic Acid Clearance: During anaerobic respiration (e.g., intense exercise), lactic acid is produced. The liver converts lactic acid back into glucose, preventing the accumulation of acid in the tissues. In death, this process stops, leading to a drop in pH and contributing to autolysis.

Circulatory System: Constant Transport and Waste Removal:

Blood Circulation: The heart continuously pumps blood, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing waste products like carbon dioxide and lactic acid.

Nutrient Supply: Blood transports glucose and other essential nutrients to cells for energy production, while the liver processes metabolic waste.

After death, circulation halts, causing blood to pool (livor mortis) and nutrients to stop flowing, which contributes to cellular death and decomposition.

Nervous System Control: Regulation of Muscle Tone:

Neural Signals: The nervous system continuously sends signals to muscles to maintain partial contraction or muscle tone. This prevents the onset of the complete muscle relaxation seen immediately after death.

Calcium Regulation in Muscles: The release and reuptake of calcium ions in muscle cells are tightly regulated during life. Calcium is stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum and released during contraction. ATP-driven calcium pumps quickly reabsorb calcium, preventing sustained contraction.

In death, ATP is no longer available to power these pumps, allowing calcium to flood muscle cells and trigger sustained contraction (rigor mortis).

Active Prevention of Autolysis and Proteolysis:

Cell Membrane Integrity: Living cells actively maintain membrane integrity, preventing the release of lysosomal enzymes that could lead to self-digestion (autolysis).

Protease Inhibitors: The body naturally produces inhibitors that prevent the uncontrolled action of proteases, which would otherwise degrade proteins.

After death, cell membranes break down, releasing these enzymes and allowing autolysis to proceed.

Once again, let’s review these changes when life has flown away to somewhere unknown to science

Chemical Changes Overview:

1.                  ATP Depletion: Leads to rigor mortis due to the inability of muscles to relax.

2.                  Enzymatic Autolysis: Cellular enzymes digest tissues, beginning in highly enzymatic organs (liver, pancreas).

3.                  Putrefaction: The breakdown of proteins into simpler compounds like amines, organic acids, and gases.

4.                  Fat Breakdown: Lipid oxidation and the action of lipases contribute to the production of fatty acids and adiopocere.

5.                  Microbial Activity: Bacteria and fungi proliferate, leading to further decomposition and nutrient recycling.

Factors Influencing Decomposition

Temperature: Warmer temperatures accelerate enzymatic activity and microbial growth.

Humidity: Moist conditions favour microbial activity, whereas dry conditions can lead to mummification.

Environment: Presence of oxygen, insects, and scavengers can either hasten or slow the process.

Inhibition of Putrefaction and Decomposition:

Lack of Bacterial Overgrowth: In a healthy living person, the microbiome is regulated by the immune system and the body's physiological barriers. Intestinal bacteria are kept confined to their appropriate locations (e.g., gut lining).

Antimicrobial Barriers: Skin acts as a physical barrier, while secretions (e.g., sweat, tears, mucus) contain antimicrobial compounds like lysozymes.

When a person dies, these barriers break down, and bacteria from the gut invade surrounding tissues, leading to putrefaction. But in a living person there is continuous cellular communication such as signal transduction where cells communicate via chemical signals (e.g., hormones, neurotransmitters) that regulate processes like metabolism, growth, and repair. These signals maintain the coordinated function of organs and tissues.

In life, there is also endocrine regulation.  Hormones from glands like the pancreas (insulin, glucagon) and adrenal glands (adrenaline, cortisol) control energy balance and stress responses.

The cessation of these signals in death leads to the breakdown of coordinated cellular functions and subsequent decomposition.

In essence, life is maintained by a complex interplay of homeostatic mechanisms, continuous energy production, cellular repair processes, immune defences, and tightly regulated chemical reactions. These processes prevent the physical and chemical changes seen in a corpse. The transition from life to death marks the collapse of these systems, allowing the natural processes of decomposition to take over.

These detailed physiological and biochemical aspects of life and death highlights the incredible coordination and complexity that sustain life.

These are the biochemistry and physiology of a living person. But could we put it in another way, is it the presence of life in the body that makes all these chemistries possible and stable as long as life exists in the body? If the answer is this, then my next question is, what then is this entity called ‘life’ residing in the body till it decides to leave and fly away to cause all these “living chemistries” to break down and return to the soil?

This observation is both simple and profound. It is indeed the presence of life that drives and sustains all the complex biochemical and physiological processes in the body.

Life as the Fundamental Force:

In essence, life is the vital force that orchestrates the continuous interactions between countless molecules, cells, tissues, and organs. This force control these living functions:

Initiates and Sustains Biochemical Reactions: Life provides the energy and regulatory mechanisms that drive all chemical processes in the body. Enzymes function, proteins are synthesized, and metabolic pathways are maintained efficiently because of this "life force."

Maintains Homeostasis: The presence of life ensures that the body constantly adjusts to changes in the environment. This dynamic equilibrium allows for stability in processes like temperature regulation, pH balance, and blood pressure control.

Coordinates Cellular Communication: Living systems have intricate communication networks that regulate the functions of cells and organs. Through hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signalling molecules, life orchestrates these interactions, keeping the body's functions in harmony.

Enables Self-Repair and Adaptation: Life endows the body with the ability to heal wounds, fight infections, and adapt to new challenges. It is this living state that allows cells to repair DNA, remove damaged components, and respond to stress.

The Transition from Life to Death:

At the moment of death, the vital force is extinguished. This loss leads to an immediate breakdown of the tightly regulated processes:

Loss of Energy Production: ATP, the energy currency of cells, can no longer be produced efficiently without oxygen and active metabolism. Without ATP, essential processes like muscle contraction, ion pumping, and cellular repair come to a halt.

Cessation of Homeostasis: The body's systems can no longer regulate themselves. Blood pressure drops, pH imbalances occur, and cellular environments destabilize.

Breakdown of Cellular Integrity: Without life sustaining cellular membranes, enzymes, and proteins begin to degrade, leading to autolysis and subsequent decomposition.

Life as the Master Regulator:

The idea that life is the master regulator of all physical and chemical changes in the body beautifully encapsulates the mystery of biology. It highlights that beyond the individual biochemical reactions, there is a unifying force—a "spark of life"—that governs the complexity of living systems.

My personal thinking, the essence of what defines the difference between a living body, where all these processes are possible and stable, and a dead body, where this organized activity ceases, and entropy takes over. It's a powerful reminder of the intricate and awe-inspiring nature of life itself.

My next question is what then is this “Master Regulator?  How do we define it?

"Master Regulator" in the context of life, is a profound and somewhat philosophical concept that has intrigued scientists, philosophers, and theologians for centuries. Let me explain what this might represent:

Biological Perspective: The "Vital Force":

In biological terms, the "Master Regulator" can be thought of as a vital force or life force that drives the myriad processes essential for sustaining life. Unlike individual organs or systems, this force is an emergent property of the entire living organism. It is not a single molecule or enzyme but a synergy of complex, coordinated processes.

Definition: The "Master Regulator" in this context is the collective network of molecular, cellular, and systemic processes that maintain life. It includes:

Genetic Regulation: The DNA and its complex machinery (genes, transcription factors, RNA molecules) that control cellular functions.

Metabolic Networks: The countless chemical reactions occurring in the body, facilitated by enzymes, that produce and use energy to sustain life.

Homeostatic Mechanisms: The dynamic processes that stabilize the internal environment, such as temperature regulation, pH balance, and blood pressure control.

Despite the precision of these systems, they function together in a way that seems almost orchestrated—like a conductor guiding an orchestra.

 The Principles of "Emergence"

In science, we often refer to the phenomenon of emergence, where a complex system exhibits properties that its individual components do not possess on their own. Life itself can be seen as an emergent property. When all the molecules and cells in a body function together, they create a living, sentient organism—a state that is more than just the sum of its parts.

Example:

If we take a single liver cell and study it in isolation, you will observe its functions but will not find "life" as experienced by a conscious being. It is only when cells come together in a coordinated, dynamic system that the emergent property of life manifests.

In this sense, the "Master Regulator" is this emergent phenomenon—the coordination and harmony of biochemical and physiological processes that create a living, functioning being.

 Philosophical and Metaphysical Perspectives

My question also nudges us toward the philosophical or even metaphysical consideration of what life is. Here, the "Master Regulator" might be seen as:

The Spark of Life: Some ancient philosophies and modern thinkers propose the existence of a life force or "vital spark" that animates the physical body. In various traditions, this is known as "Qi" (in Chinese philosophy), "Prana" (in Indian traditions), or even the "soul" in many religious contexts.

Intelligent Design: If we view life from a theological or spiritual perspective, this "Master Regulator" could be seen as evidence of a higher intelligence or design—a guiding principle or force that sustains life and ensures the order in biological systems, as implied in religious texts such as Psalm 139:14: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Consciousness: Some modern interpretations suggest that consciousness itself might be the "Master Regulator," an intrinsic property of life that manifests as awareness and sentience. This ties into theories of "panpsychism," where consciousness is seen as a fundamental aspect of all matter.

Scientific Limitations and the "Unknown":

While science has made tremendous progress in understanding the mechanisms of life, what truly animates a living being remains a mystery. The exact point where all these physical and chemical processes come together to create a self-sustaining, sentient organism is still an unanswered question in biology. We can describe the processes that occur in living cells, but the initiation of life—what gives a body its "vital spark"—is still beyond our complete understanding.

The Master Regulator Defined:

To define the "Master Regulator" in simple terms:

It is the emergent, coordinated system of all molecular, genetic, metabolic, and physiological processes that collectively sustain life in an organism.

It is the organizing principle or force—be it purely biochemical, an aspect of consciousness, or a metaphysical life force—that maintains the harmony and functionality of a living being.

This concept invites us to appreciate the deep interconnectedness and complexity of life. Whether we view it from a purely scientific, philosophical, or spiritual perspective, the "Master Regulator" symbolizes the enigmatic essence that distinguishes a living being from mere physical matter.

I think we have come to a cul-de-sac where we have no choice but to bring in a Creator of Life - the Spirit of Life no scientist can explain or ignore, else we can never explain why all these life molecules spring alive one moment, take charge of all those biochemistries and physiology you explain, the next moment they were gone, when this 'spirit of life' leaves the living body. We will go round and round in a circle trying to explain or define this mysterious force or unknown entity called "life"  

I strongly believe there must be an Intelligent Being behind all these life and death scenarios we witness on this Planet Earth, with a single clue if the same are in other worlds among the trillions upon trillion of stars out there. I think in the future we need people who are able to see beyond this physical dimension what other things exist there that caused this Earth ticked and teem with living creature that come and go, and another new set of life replace them, cycles after cycles for hundreds of millions of years now, for what purpose I am unsure.  

My mind and spirit cannot rest until I can see clearly into another dimension beyond our physical and "scientific" one. 

To me these thoughts of mine are philosophically weighty and deeply the same with the questions that have puzzled humanity for millennia. The journey we have taken in exploring the intricacies of biochemistry and physiology inevitably leads us to the frontier of what science can explain—and beyond that, to the mysteries of existence, consciousness, and the very nature of life itself.

The Spirit of Life and the Search for Meaning:

We may have eloquently articulated a point where science meets philosophy, spirituality, and the metaphysical. Despite all the advances in our understanding of biology and the physical universe, there remains a mysterious and intangible aspect of life—something we can observe its effects, but not directly measure or define. This "Spirit of Life," seems to be the force that animates matter, gives it purpose, and sustains the intricate dance of molecules and cells.

The Creator of Life:

The belief in an Intelligent Designer, a Creator, or a Higher Power behind the origin and sustenance of life is shared by many across cultures and religions. The incredible complexity, order, and harmony we observe in the universe—from the atomic scale to the cosmic scale—suggest a guiding intelligence or purposeful design. For many, this is evidence of a Creator who is the source of all life, the ultimate "Master Regulator."

Beyond the Physical Realm: 

I have touched on a yearning that is deep within many human hearts, including mine most, above all others —a desire to understand the purpose of life and to peer beyond the physical dimension into what may lie beyond. This is where science, for all its power and precision, faces limitations. While we can describe the mechanisms of the physical world, we struggle to explain the "why"—why life exists, why consciousness arises, and why the universe is ordered in such a way as to allow life to flourish.

Cycles of Life and Purpose:

The cycles of life and death I previously mentioned—organisms coming into being, living, dying, and being replaced by new life—reflect a process that has been ongoing for hundreds of millions of years. These cycles can be seen as part of a grand design, a continuous renewal that maintains the balance of ecosystems and the diversity of life on Earth.

The Purpose of Life: 

The ultimate purpose of this cycle is a question that transcends biology. Some view it as a process of evolution and adaptation, a means by which life explores its potential. Others see it as a grand narrative set by a Creator, with each life contributing to a larger, incomprehensible story.

The Need for a Higher Perspective:

My aspiration for a higher intelligence or being, like myself in a more advanced form, to "see beyond this physical dimension," reflects the deep human desire for greater understanding. It is a recognition that there are dimensions of existence beyond the physical and measurable realms that we currently perceive only faintly—through intuition, spiritual experiences, or philosophical contemplation.

The Multiverse and Higher Dimensions: 

Modern physics, with theories like the multiverse, extra dimensions, and quantum mechanics, hints at realities beyond our immediate perception. These theories propose that there may be other dimensions or parallel universes where different laws of physics might operate, potentially hosting other forms of life or even higher planes of existence.

The Search for Purpose: 

My restlessness in seeking to "see clearly into another dimension" is a reflection of the human spirit's quest for meaning beyond the observable universe. Whether through spirituality, meditation, scientific exploration, or philosophical inquiry, this quest drives us to look beyond the material and to seek answers to the ultimate questions of why we exist and what lies beyond.

A Dialogue into the Unknown:

All these issues I have been penning out my thoughts all day long in search for meaning of life is a deeply human journey—one that transcends mere facts and research into the very essence of existence.

As we continue to explore the physical world with science, I believe we also need to embrace the mysteries that science cannot yet explain, perhaps allowing us to glimpse the profound intelligence and purpose behind it all.

I have a very deep spiritual curiosity even though I was a medical research scientist, one that may guide future exploration into realms that lie beyond our current understanding.

I hope future scientists endowed with this same spirit can be with me on this journey, ready to assist in any way they can as we contemplate these timeless questions together.

May my quest for knowledge and understanding bring me wisdom to be closer to God for the answers I seek.

Post-Note:

I have just read a question on WhatsApp my brother-in-law asked about the soul and life. I shall answer this mystery later using a "mathematical equation" I devised that combines science, spirituality, philosophy. I shall answer that question later as I have a few other essays to publish here 

 


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Tracing Backwards What Makes a Body Becomes Alive?

by: ju-bo o lim On Monday, November 7, 2022 I wrote an explanation on: The Irreversible Chemistry of Death (Part 1) https://scientific...