The Increasing Viability of Cryogenics

In the early days of cryogenic research it was considered a novelty reserved for the rich and powerful. Advances in research and technology have decrease the price is somewhat but still remains quite pricey. Many that have opted to enjoy the $50,000 minimum in life rather than have their head frozen may have made a poor investment. This review the advancements in technology and medical research that have closed the gap between cryogenics and immortality.

Cloning

Cloning is perhaps the single most important modern medical advancement when we consider returning from a frozen cryogenic state. By simply having one’s head frozen the premise was it could be re-attached to a viable human body. Once a far-fetched idea, it is quite feasible now. In fact, the candidate’s own DNA can be used to clone a living viable body to which the head could be reattached. Unfortunately, a new body is not the largest obstacle. The connections between the nervous system and the body are extensive and microscopic. To reattach every single one while keeping the head and the body alive would be impossible by current medical standards.

Stem Cell Research

Advancements in stem cell research could effectively regenerate damaged or even missing parts of the body. It is theoretically possible for the brain and tissues of the head to be that sustained while the candidates on stem cells regenerated a new body. Of course testing in stem cell research remains highly controversial. And testing in human subjects as well as human tissue is banned by most governments of the world at the time of this writing.

Biomechanics

Biomechanics is perhaps the most radical of all possible methods in which a person could be brought back to life from cryogenics. Microchips are currently being successfully implanted into the brain and connected to neurons to help patients suffering from depression, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. Advancements in biomechanics research could one day successfully merge biological tissue such as the brain to a fully mechanical humanoid body.

As advancements in technology and medical research continue to outpace our ability to keep up, we’re constantly amazed at the new innovations we are discovering with each passing year. Innovations once inconceivable only a few years ago are now part of our everyday lives . We have learned to consider the inconceivable is quite possible. And we have learned to optimistically reconsider all things once deemed impossible.