On the program "A l’UM la science," broadcast on Divergence FM, Abdel Aouacheria, a researcher at the Institute of Evolutionary Sciences of Montpellier (Isem), spoke at length about his latest book, titled « Death, Architect of Life ». The work focuses on programmed cell death, a fundamental biological process.
The broadcast touches upon how different cultures worldwide celebrate death, such as All Saints' Day, Halloween, Día de los Muertos, or the Fête des Gédés. It emphasizes that, far from being mere speculation, the very functioning of our organisms reminds us of this immutable law: there is no life without death.
To illustrate this point, Abdel Aouacheria, a specialist in molecular and cellular biology at Isem, drew upon the phenomenon of apoptosis, or programmed cell death. This process contributes to the construction, maintenance, and protection of living organisms.
His book, published in January 2026 by Belin, offers a perspective where death and life are seen as two facets of the same reality. The program is a coproduction of Divergence FM and the University of Montpellier, hosted by Lucie Lecherbonnier and Aline Périault, with production by Bruno Bertrand.
