X-Message-Number: 6721
From: Mark Muhlestein <>
Subject: Cryonics research (SCI.CRYONICS)
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 10:41:49 -0700 (MST)

The most encouraging thing to me about the interest shown so far in the
Prometheus project is that it has shown that there is a strong
willingness on the part of many cryonicists to financially support
cryonics-related research.  Whatever ultimately becomes of Prometheus,
this is a very good thing.

As my wife and I have pondered our possible commitment to such a
project, we have agreed with the basic premise that increased research
is a good idea, but since we have limited resources to commit, we have
hesitated to put all our eggs in one basket with Prometheus.

For this reason, we would be very pleased to see others within the
cryonics community come forward with more proposals, similar in spirit
to the Prometheus concept.  As what has basically been done with
Prometheus so far is to propose a plan for a plan, it should not be
overwhelmingly difficult to come up with one or more concepts that are
complementary to Prometheus, yet are still capable of competing in the
marketplace of ideas.

Since all pledges to Prometheus are contingent on agreeing with the
plan that is finally put forward, that fact could, and should,
encourage others to formulate competing plans to offer to any who may
not like the final Prometheus plan.  I don't believe it is necessary to
wait to see what is forthcoming there to examine other possibilities.
Here are a few that may have some merit:

* Researching the degree of preservation needed to ensure that memory
  and personality are definitely retained.  If it could be proven that
  the critical structures are indeed currently preserved, that should
  have a very positive effect on the acceptance of cryonics.  This is
  particularly pertinent given that some form of advanced cellular
  repair mechanism (nanotech) will be required to heal and rejuvenate
  suspendees anyway, even if reversible vitrification works perfectly.

* Funding a large cash prize for demonstrating achievement of specific
  cryonics-related goals.

* Investigating polymerization, chemical fixation or other potentially 
  low-cost, highly preservative treatments.

* If feasible, applying Visser's technique to brain preservation.

* Extending the techniques developed for low-temperature surgery (e.g.
  BioTime's research) to drastically lengthen the time an animal can
  be "suspended." (This would have mostly indirect value, but it
  might go a long way towards convincing the general public of the
  viability of cryonics).

* Funding of basic cryobiological research. This should include seeking
  out and promoting funding by individuals and organizations outside of
  the cryonics community.

So how about it, people!  There must be many viable concepts!


Mark Muhlestein -- 
--
But wherefore do not you a mightier way
Make war upon this bloody tyrant, Time?
And fortify yourself in your decay
With means more blessed than my barren rhyme?
   -- Shakespeare, sonnet xvi


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