X-Message-Number: 5331 From: (Brian Wowk) Newsgroups: sci.cryonics Subject: Re: High Pressure Cryonics Date: 3 Dec 95 06:07:04 GMT Message-ID: <> References: <49mesn$> Ah, the semi-annual high pressure cryonics debate! :) Welcome to sci.cryonics, Jens. The high pressure approach has been investigated by professional cryobiologists, and it was found to result in irreversible *baroinjury* to tissue at pressures above 1000 atmospheres. The problem is that even pure hydrostatic pressure can cause protein denaturation if it is high enough. The most promising approach now being pursued is called *vitrification*. Vitrification involves introducing cryoprotectants and glass forming agents at a sufficiently high concentration that ice formation is completely eliminated upon cooling. We are optimistic in cryonics that this technology will allow us to perform reversible cryopreservation of the human brain within the next decade. Brian Wowk President, CryoCare Foundation Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=5331