The Disadvantages of Cryogenic Freezing for Resuscitation: Debunking the Myths

As humanity continues to explore the frontiers of science and technology, the concept of cryogenic freezing has gained considerable attention, particularly with regard to the possibility of resuscitation. However, there are significant limitations and drawbacks to this practice that render it improbable and often ethically questionable.

Understanding Cryogenic Freezing

Cryogenic freezing, also known as cryonics or cryopreservation, is a process where an organism is cooled to extremely low temperatures to arrest biological processes, with the ultimate goal of preserving the body or brain with the potential for future resuscitation. The idea is to vitrify the body, essentially turning it into a glass-like state to prevent ice crystals from forming and damaging cells.

Why Cryogenic Freezing Falls Short

The Lack of Efficacy: Despite the promising concept, cryogenic freezing faces significant obstacles in achieving its goals. The foremost issue is that it has never succeeded in reviving a person who has been cryopreserved. The reasons for this failure are multifaceted.

Cell Deterioration During Vitrification

One of the major concerns is the destruction of cell structures during vitrification. When water in the body is frozen, it expands, leading to cellular damage due to the formation of ice crystals. However, in cryogenic freezing, the process of vitrification aims to prevent this by rapidly cooling the body to such low temperatures that the water turns into a glass-like state without crystallizing. But this process, while complex, is not foolproof. Non-water molecules are pushed and concentrated, potentially damaging the cells and altering protein folding.

The Ethical and Financial Scruples

Other significant drawbacks of cryogenic freezing include ethical and financial considerations. These practices often lack scientific validity and are more reminiscent of a fraudulent enterprise than a credible medical procedure.

Scam Operations and Exploitation

Cryonics companies may prey on families bereaved by the loss of their loved ones, urging them to invest heavily in the process. These companies may extract substantial payments at the initial stage and continue demanding monthly "maintenance" fees. In many cases, these organizations may disappear after extracting significant wealth, leaving the families with no recourse. Conversely, the frozen bodies may be offered to the bereaved families for disposal, often leading to further financial loss.

Irreversible Cellular Damage

Even if the technology were to succeed in preserving a body, the freezing process is known to cause extensive cellular damage. Upon thawing, the body would most likely resemble a large lump of meat, rendering it inoperable. This is due to the extensive damage to cells and organs caused by the freezing process, making it practically impossible for the body to function biologically.

Limited Scientific Feasibility

There is no scientific basis for the belief that resuscitation will be achieved. Scientific research has not made meaningful progress towards understanding how to revive a frozen organism, mostly likely due to the lack of clear mechanisms or pathways that could be used for such a process. Additionally, there are numerous diseases and injuries that cannot be cured, such as terminal cancer, fatal strokes, or heart attacks.

Long-term Societal Implications

If a person were to be revived years or even centuries after their death, they would face challenges that are likely insurmountable. They would have no social connections, might not understand the language or technology of their time, and would be unable to perform any familiar tasks. Living such a life would be incongruous and challenging, even if cryonics were to become a reality.

Conclusion

The possibility of cryogenic freezing as a means to achieve resuscitation is fraught with numerous hurdles, from the scientific challenges of vitrification to the ethical and financial implications of such enterprises. While it is understandable that individuals and families may seek such options, it is crucial to approach these claims with a critical eye and to question their validity thoroughly.