Cryobiology

Cryobiology is the branch of biology that studies the effects of low temperatures on living things within Earth's cryosphere or in science. The word derives from Greek kryos (κρύος) meaning cold, and bios (βίος) meaning life. The term is often used to refer to the study of the physical and chemical changes occurring in the freezing of and in the frozen state and to the technology of cold storage of biological materials.

History

The history of cryobiology is filled with many notable events and discoveries. The first recorded instance of cryobiology is in the 17th century when Robert Boyle studied the effects of freezing on animals. In the 20th century, the field expanded with the development of cryopreservation techniques.

Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation is a process where cells, whole tissues, or any other substances susceptible to damage caused by chemical reactivity or time are preserved by cooling to sub-zero temperatures. At low enough temperatures, any enzymatic or chemical activity which might cause damage to the biological material in question is effectively stopped.

Cryogenics

Cryogenics is the production and behaviour of materials at very low temperatures. It does not have a precise lower limit of temperature, but includes temperatures below -150 °C or -238 °F.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is a type of surgery that involves the use of extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissues. The surgery most often involves the use of liquid nitrogen, although carbon dioxide and argon may also be used.

Cryonics

Cryonics is the low-temperature freezing (usually at −196 °C or −320.8 °F) and storage of a human corpse or severed head, with the speculative hope that resurrection may be possible in the future.

See also

• Cryobiology
• Cryopreservation
• Cryogenics
• Cryosurgery
• Cryonics

References

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