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


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