Frozen In Time
Exploring The Chilling Promises Of Cryonics
A. J. Li
SOME SAY AN AXIOM OF LIFE IS THE KNOWLEDGE WE WILL ONE DAY PASS AWAY. And yet many throughout history and perhaps more people now than ever before have entertained the idea of conquering death. One of the methods that has gained attention is cryonics. It is an ambitious and somewhat controversial concept (like most things related to death), standing at the crossroads of science and imagination. It offers a daring promise: cheating death by preserving the deceased in a state of suspended animation until sufficient technological advancements in the future are made to facilitate their revival. But is this a legitimate process or just another scam designed for wealthy people and thanatophobes on a quest for immortality?
The modus operandi of cryonics is essentially to freeze individuals, preserving them at extremely low temperatures immediately after their legal death. The body is thus rapidly cooled to slow down metabolic processes, then vitrified or cryopreserved by replacing bodily fluids with a melange of ethylene glycol, dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerol, etc., known as a cryoprotectant (basically antifreeze). The goal here is to store the body at temperatures around -196°C in liquid nitrogen, halting cellular decay. Future advancements in medical technology would then be able to cure the conditions that led to a person’s death and revive them. Proponents of cryonics argue that the fine line between life and death is not as absolute as once thought, and preservation at ultra-low temperatures may preserve cellular structures and vital information until revival becomes possible.
Cryonics organisations have been freezing bodies (and sometimes just the brains) since the 1960s. Prominent figures such as baseball legend Ted Williams and science fiction author Isaac Asimov have famously chosen to undergo this process. More people yet to legally die have also planned to be preserved through cryopreservation. One of the big names on this list is Seth MacFarlane. These individuals have placed their faith in the uncertain but tantalising possibility that they may awaken in a future where death is a curable condition.
While cryonics enthusiasts are passionate about their beliefs, the practice is not without its critics and controversies. Sceptics argue that the damage inflicted on cells during freezing and thawing processes is irreversible, rendering revival impossible. They point out that cryonics patients legally die, and there is no guarantee that future technologies will have the capability to resurrect them. The ethical and legal aspects surrounding cryonics are also fraught with complexities.
One of the key concerns is the unregulated nature of the cryonics industry. Cryonics organisations operate in a legal grey area, and standards can vary widely. Critics argue that there should be more oversight to ensure that those choosing cryonics are fully informed about the uncertainties involved and the potential for disappointment.
There is also a financial cost of immortality. One of the most significant practical barriers to cryonics is its high price. Cryopreservation is far from affordable, with prices typically ranging from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars. The high cost reflects the specialised equipment, personnel, and ongoing maintenance required for long-term storage in liquid nitrogen. This financial burden often places cryonics out of reach for most individuals, hence why some have attacked the practice as a scam targeted at more wealthy and affluent individuals.
Cryonics serves as a poignant example of humanity’s enduring fascination with mortality and the relentless pursuit of extending life. It raises profound questions about the boundaries of science and ethics, as well as the limits of human ambition. As humanity delves deeper into the possibilities of cryonics and indeed other methods of life extension, it’s essential to remember that, for now, it remains an unproven concept that is more speculative than scientific. Whether it’s a chilling promise or a frozen dream depends on your perspective. Cryonics forces us to contemplate the profound mysteries of life, death, and the ever-elusive quest for immortality.
The future of cryonics remains uncertain. While it continues to attract attention and interest, it has yet to demonstrate its efficacy in reviving the dead. Scientific progress in fields like regenerative medicine and nanotechnology could potentially bring us closer to the dream of revival, but it’s impossible to predict when or if that day will come.
In the end, while cryonics may not provide definitive answers to the age-old question of cheating death, it continues to challenge our perceptions and inspire both wonder and scepticism. As we peer into the icy depths of this captivating field, we are left to ponder the chilling promise it holds for the future of humanity. Whether it ultimately leads to a future where death is optional or remains a curious footnote in the annals of scientific history, cryonics remains one of the most intriguing and polarising subjects at the intersection of science and speculation.