May 13, 2008

Cryonics

Let's start with a basic definition: "Cryonics is a speculative life support technology that seeks to preserve human life in a state that will be viable and treatable by future medicine. It is expected that future medicine will include mature nanotechnology, and the ability to heal at the cellular and molecular levels."

The topic has been on my mind the past several days. That and cloning. Had a fascinating discussion with Babes last night. I certainly think that there might well be a time when we can cure diseases we cannot cure today - though it must be pointed out that we still do not have a cure for the common cold. What fascinates me is not the technology itself - though it is fascinating - it's that people sign up to have their remains stored at no small cost.

Which brings up the question of old - what is it that makes me me and you you? Would I still be me after being frozen for decades, or centuries (never mind whether I could ever be brought to life again). I have no idea what happens to consciousness after death - but am uneasy about the idea of waiting around in cold storage until some time in the future. This is indeed a sci-fi blockbuster story, but what about the realities of the situation?

What do you think? If cost was no object, would you go into cold storage and wait for a (hopefully) better future?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

There is a blog about cryonics here:

http://www.depressedmetabolism.com/