X-Message-Number: 24834 Date: Sat, 16 Oct 2004 12:02:24 -0700 From: Mike Perry <> Subject: Inspired by "Forever," Assistance Requested! Ben Best, #24825: >People who spend >their time trying to understand "forever" are far less likely to live 200 >years than people who spend their time trying to solve the practical >problems of cryonics and anti-aging medicine. For me though, thinking about and trying to understand "forever" is irreplaceable inspiration for trying to solve the practical problems of life-extension, including those of cryonics. Now, one very practical problem I am trying to address is that of low-cost but viable alternatives to cryonic suspension. (Even the cheapest cryonic suspension is several times the cost of a conventional funeral arrangement.) Possible alternatives would be chemopreservation of the brain with or without subsequent, lower temperature storage (refrigerated, permafrost, or even cryogenic). I am interested in any references on preservation through such means as glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde, with emphasis on the brain, and, of course, retaining the fine structure in some inferable form. (I am not too impressed with what I have read about plastination. "Defatting" the brain sounds damaging!) Another consideration is what procedures might be doable through morticians which would make these procedures widely and quickly available at relatively modest cost. Does anyone have any reference recommendations--books, articles, urls? Anything else you'd like to say? Send private email if you like. Many thanks. Mike Perry Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=24834