In 1981, the Uniform Determination of Death Act made brain death a legal form of death in all 50 states.

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But in at least two studies before the 1981 Uniform Determination of Death Act, some "brain-dead" patients were found to be emitting brain waves.

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And Te'o's heart-wrenching tale of determination on the face of two tragedies -- the death of his grandmother and his girlfriend -- had all the elements.

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