Inside The World Of Cryonics And The Quest For Immortality

Cryonics is a process that preserves individuals at ultra-low temperatures after death, with the hope that future scientific advances will make it possible to bring them back to life.

It sounds like the stuff of science fiction, but for a select few, cryonics represents the ultimate gamble for a second chance at life. From cutting-edge cryogenic technology to famous individuals already frozen or on waiting lists, cryonics is as fascinating as it is controversial.

How Cryonics Works

The process begins immediately after a person is declared legally dead. The term “legally dead” is important here because cryonics relies on the assumption that cellular structures, particularly those in the brain, remain intact and potentially revivable with advanced technology in the future.

The process involves cooling the body to a temperature where all metabolic processes cease, effectively halting decomposition. The teams use a cocktail of cryoprotectants, chemicals that prevent ice crystals from forming in cells. Ice crystal formation is a major challenge in preserving tissue at such low temperatures, as crystals can rupture cells and cause irreversible damage.

The body (or sometimes just the head) is gradually cooled to -320°F and stored in liquid nitrogen in specially designed tanks. This state, known as vitrification, isn’t the same as freezing. Instead, the body is preserved in a glass-like state, where biological material is essentially “paused” indefinitely.

A Growing Industry

Cryonics is a niche industry, but it has grown steadily over the years. Several companies around the world offer cryopreservation services to those willing to bet on the future of science.

Alcor Life Extension Foundation

Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Alcor is one of the most well-known cryonics facilities in the world. Founded in 1972, Alcor has cryopreserved 199 patients and has over 1,400 members signed up for its services as of 2023. Alcor allows clients to preserve either their whole body or just their head, depending on their preferences and financial resources. The company uses advanced cryogenic techniques to ensure long-term preservation, making it a leader in the field.

Cryonics Institute

The Cryonics Institute, based in Clinton Township, Michigan, was founded by Robert Ettinger, often called the “father of cryonics.” Since its inception in 1976, it has preserved over 200 patients and has thousands more enrolled in its program. The Cryonics Institute offers whole-body preservation at a significantly lower cost compared to Alcor, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts.

KrioRus

KrioRus, located in Russia, was the first cryonics company in Europe. Established in 2005, it has preserved around 80 clients, including some pets, as of 2023. KrioRus offers an affordable alternative to American companies, but its facilities and processes have faced criticism for being less advanced.

Tomorrow Biostasis

This Berlin-based startup has brought cryonics to Europe with a modern twist. Founded in 2020, Tomorrow Biostasis focuses on attracting younger clients with flexible payment options and a tech-savvy approach. It currently has over 650 members signed up and has cryopreserved several individuals since its launch.

How Many People Are Cryopreserved Today?

Globally, approximately 500 people are currently cryopreserved in facilities across the United States, Russia, and other countries. In addition, about 5,500 individuals have made pre-arrangements, ensuring that they’ll be preserved upon death. These numbers might seem small, but they reflect a growing interest in the potential of future technology to overcome current medical limitations.

Famous Figures in Cryonics

Cryonics has attracted interest from a variety of high-profile individuals, some of whom have already undergone preservation while others remain on the waiting list.

Those Already Preserved

• James H. Bedford: A psychology professor, Bedford was the first person to be cryopreserved in 1967. His body is still preserved at Alcor, serving as a historical landmark in cryonics.
• Ted Williams: The baseball legend was cryopreserved at Alcor after his death in 2002. His case brought significant public attention to the practice, though it also sparked a family feud over his remains.
• Robert Ettinger: The founder of the Cryonics Institute, Ettinger was cryopreserved upon his death in 2011, fulfilling his lifelong vision.

Famous Names on the Waiting List

• Peter Thiel: The billionaire co-founder of PayPal has reportedly signed up for cryonics, citing his interest in extending human life through technology.
• Ray Kurzweil: A futurist and director of engineering at Google, Kurzweil is an outspoken advocate for life extension and has expressed interest in cryonics as part of his broader transhumanist philosophy.
• Nick Bostrom: The philosopher and transhumanist is another prominent figure who has plans for cryopreservation, aligning with his interest in the future of humanity and technology.

The Science and Skepticism of Revival

Cryonics is based on the belief that future advancements in medicine, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence will make it possible to repair cellular damage and restore life. This is where the controversy begins.

Critics argue that there is no guarantee that a preserved body can ever be revived. The process of vitrification, while effective at halting decay, introduces its own challenges, such as chemical toxicity and cellular damage. Even if revival becomes technically feasible, questions remain about whether memories, consciousness, or even identity could survive the process.

Supporters counter that advancements in fields like gene editing and tissue regeneration are already proving that what seems impossible today may not be so tomorrow. For cryonics enthusiasts, the potential reward outweighs the risk.

How Much Does Cryonics Cost?

Cryonics isn’t cheap. Whole-body preservation can cost anywhere from $200,000 at Alcor to $28,000 at the Cryonics Institute. Head-only preservation, often called neuropreservation, is a more affordable option, starting at $80,000. Most clients fund their arrangements through life insurance policies, ensuring that their preservation doesn’t financially burden their families.

Ethical and Philosophical Questions

Critics argue that it preys on people’s fear of death and offers false hope. Others worry about the implications of revival in a world that might not have the resources or willingness to accommodate a growing population of resurrected individuals.

For proponents, it’s a personal choice and a testament to humanity’s relentless pursuit of progress. It represents hope, not just for the individuals preserved but for a future where death may no longer be inevitable.

The Future of Cryonics

As technology continues to evolve, the cryonics industry is poised for growth. New materials, better preservation methods, and advances in artificial intelligence are likely to improve the process and make it more accessible.

Cryonics also offers a fascinating glimpse into humanity’s relationship with mortality. Whether it succeeds or fails, it challenges us to think about what it means to be human, to age, and to hope for a future where life is no longer limited by biology.

For now, cryonics remains a leap of faith. But for the 500 people currently preserved and the thousands waiting for their turn, it’s a chance to dream of a tomorrow where the impossible becomes possible.

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