CAN CRYONICS WORK?
Although steps can be taken to minimize freezing-damage, such damage cannot be completely eliminated. Nonetheless, damage is distinct from destruction. A structure that is merely damaged can ultimately be repaired. Future science may well be able to cure most disease, repair freezing damage, and stop as well as reverse aging. At liquid nitrogen temperature (-196ºC = -320ºF), biological structures in need of repair can be preserved many millions of years with virtually no change. Most cryonicists expect the necessary molecular repair technology within 50 to 100 years — but are prepared to wait as long as it takes. The future technology to accomplish the reanimation and rejuvenation of cryonics patients will probably be the outcome of current trends toward microminiaturization. Ultraminiature robots may someday remove cholesterol from arteries. Genetically engineered micro-organisms may be able to repair DNA damage. Nanotechnology (nano=billionth, as in nanometer) will be able to manipu
Although steps can be taken to minimize freezing-damage, such damage cannot be completely eliminated. Nonetheless, damage is distinct from destruction. A structure that is merely damaged can ultimately be repaired. Future science may well be able to cure most disease, repair freezing damage, and stop as well as reverse aging. At liquid nitrogen temperature (-196ºC = -320ºF), biological structures in need of repair can be preserved many millions of years with virtually no change. Most cryonicists expect the necessary molecular repair technology within 50 to 100 years — but are prepared to wait as long as it takes. The future technology to accomplish the reanimation and rejuvenation of cryonics patients will probably be the outcome of current trends toward microminiaturization. Ultraminiature robots may someday remove cholesterol from arteries. Genetically engineered micro-organisms may be able to repair DNA damage. Nanotechnology (nano=billionth, as in nanometer) will be able to manipul
