Cryonics
Cryonics
Cryonics (pronounced: kry-ON-iks) is a process used in the field of life extension where the body of a deceased person is preserved at extremely low temperatures with the hope that future medical technology may be able to restore the person to life. The term is derived from the Greek word 'kryos' meaning cold.
History
The concept of cryonics was first proposed in 1962 by Robert Ettinger in his book, "The Prospect of Immortality". The first person to be cryopreserved was Dr. James Bedford in 1967. Since then, several hundred people have undergone cryopreservation, and many more have signed up for the procedure upon their death.
Procedure
The process of cryonics begins immediately after a person's legal death. The body is cooled rapidly to prevent cell decay, then a process called vitrification is used to replace the blood and body fluids with a cryoprotectant solution to prevent ice crystal formation. The body is then cooled to -196 degrees Celsius and stored in a dewar filled with liquid nitrogen.
Controversy
Cryonics is a controversial topic in the scientific and medical communities. Critics argue that the process of cryopreservation causes irreversible damage to cells and tissues, making revival impossible. Supporters of cryonics argue that future advancements in nanotechnology and regenerative medicine may make it possible to repair the damage caused by the cryopreservation process.
Related Terms
- Cryopreservation: The process of preserving cells, tissues, or any other biological constructs by cooling them to very low temperatures.
- Vitrification: A process of converting a substance into a glass-like solid without the formation of ice crystals.
- Nanotechnology: The manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale.
- Regenerative Medicine: A branch of medicine that develops methods to regrow, repair or replace damaged or diseased cells, organs or tissues.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cryonics
- Wikipedia's article - Cryonics
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