The Viability of Cryogenic Preservation: Debunking the Odds of Reawakening

Cryogenic preservation, also known as cryonics, has long intrigued the public and sparked numerous discussions about the possibility of resuscitation after death. However, given the current state of cryonics, the likelihood that a cryogenically preserved body will be successfully reawakened is virtually zero. In this article, we will explore the three major obstacles that currently stand in the way of achieving this seemingly futuristic goal.

Obstacle 1: The Status of the Preserved Individual

The first and most obvious hurdle is that current cryopreservation techniques are employed on individuals who are already deceased. There is no known biological method of reviving a person who is already dead. The underlying principle of cryonics relies on the preservation of the body before cellular damage becomes irreversible, but once cellular death occurs, it is essentially a permanent state. This fundamental issue makes the revival of an already deceased person fundamentally impossible.

Obstacle 2: The Frothing and Cellular Damage

The second major issue is the process of freezing and thawing the body. When tissue is frozen, particularly if it is done slowly, the water within the cells forms ice crystals. These ice crystals can devastate cell walls, leading to cellular damage and, eventually, cell death. This effect is particularly pronounced in freezing body parts, where the tissue ends up resembling a mushy state after thawing. In contrast, even if we consider the most advanced techniques, the largest organ ever successfully preserved without significant cellular damage is a rat’s kidney, weighing just 0.63 grams. This is far removed from the intricate and complex structures of a human body.

Obstacle 3: The Brain and Autonomic Function

The third significant problem is the preservation of the brain, which plays a critical role in the functions that define us as living beings. When an individual dies, the brain undergoes irreversible damage, including the loss of all control systems necessary for the body to function. Even if we were to overcome the challenges of preserving the body, the brain, which is responsible for all thoughts, memories, and bodily functions, would be entirely absent. Without a functioning brain, the preserved body could not perform even the most basic functions, such as breathing or maintaining heartbeats. Any hope of revival would require not only perfect preservation techniques but also the ability to transplant and restore the brain’s function, adding another layer of complexity to the problem.

Scientific Challenges and Ethical Considerations

The complexity of these challenges means that we are, for the time being, in the realm of science fiction. The idea of preserving the brain before death would require solutions to the problem of oxygen deprivation and the structure and function of the brain's cells. Even if such a method were possible, the process would likely result in the loss of personal memories and experiences. The ethical and psychological implications of such a procedure are profound. Importantly, from a Christian perspective, belief in the soul's departure upon death further complicates the notion of revival.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the prospect of cryogenic preservation is fascinating, the current state of technology and understanding of the human body make it an unlikely reality. The multiple obstacles related to the dead status of the preserved individual, the physical damage caused during the freezing and thawing process, and the fundamental issues surrounding brain function and memory make it almost impossible to envision a successful reawakening. Cryonics continues to captivate the imagination, but for now, the science, as well as the ethical considerations, suggest that a truly viable form of cryogenic revival is still far from our grasp.