Cryopreservation Techniques

There are two primary techniques employed in cryopreservation: slow freezing and vitrification.

Slow freezing, the older of the two methods, involves a gradual cooling process that may take several hours. A significant drawback is that prolonged freezing increases the likelihood of ice crystal formation within the cells, leading to potential cellular damage.

Vitrification, on the other hand, is a more advanced method that rapidly cools cells within minutes. It employs cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) to inhibit ice formation, significantly enhancing the preservation process. Recent advancements in vitrification have successfully enabled the storage of biomaterials such as sperm, eggs, blood, and corneas for medical applications.

This raises an intriguing question: If vitrification can effectively preserve smaller biological structures, could it also be applied to an entire human body? Unfortunately, the situation is more complex than it seems.

The Challenges of Cryonics

One significant hurdle in cryonics is the inability to definitively ascertain whether irreversible damage has occurred due to ischemia—the interruption of blood flow—between clinical death and the start of cryopreservation, which can take minutes to days. While neurons exhibit a degree of resilience to ischemia, blood vessels are more susceptible to damage, complicating the vitrification process.

Moreover, as the size of the cells to be vitrified increases, so does the requirement for CPAs. However, beyond a certain concentration, these agents can become toxic, potentially impairing the functionality of cells upon thawing. The intricate cellular structures and vast number of cells within the human body further complicate the feasibility of reviving an entire organism.

Ken Storey, a biochemist, has noted that even if one aimed to preserve just the brain, the numerous distinct regions would necessitate different cryopreservation protocols.

Despite skepticism from many in the scientific community, research into cryonics continues to advance, with an increasing number of individuals expressing interest in body preservation.

The Future of Cryonics

One prominent cryonics organization, Alcor, boasts over 1,400 members and has preserved approximately 230 individuals since its inception in 1972. These preserved bodies await a future where science might unlock the secrets of revival with minimal damage.

Many advocates of cryonics hold the belief that advancements in regenerative medicine and cutting-edge nanotechnology could one day make it possible to restore life to those who have been frozen. The growing membership in cryonics communities suggests that, regardless of the outcome, a portion of humanity remains hopeful about the prospect of immortality.

Perhaps, in the not-so-distant future, we may find a way to defy death. Until then, it is essential to live fully and prepare ourselves for the inevitable end, for we cannot predict whether the breakthrough in cryonics or the conclusion of our lives will come first.

In the video titled "Can you cheat death by solving this riddle?" by Shravan S K, intriguing questions about mortality and the implications of cryonics are explored.

The second video, "CHEAT DEATH: is it worth it? (The Long Dark)," delves into the ethical considerations and potential consequences of attempting to evade death through scientific means.