Research suggests that consciousness could extend beyond just humans, with studies suggesting that single-cell organisms, like mold, display traits associated with cognition such as counting and collaborating. Plants are also included in this theory. The theory suggests that every cellular creature in the universe, no matter how big or small, may be conscious. This could include plants, which are believed to be aware of their environment and recognize others around them. The concept of consciousness was developed in the 1990s under the theory of life and sentience, which states that all living organisms are conscious, self-aware, and have valenced sensory and perceptual experiences.