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July 2013 • Volume 34:7

Effects of Temperature on Preservation and Restoration of Cryonics Patients Page 13

What Do We Really Know About Fracturing?

Page 5 ISSN 1054-4305

Reconstructive Connectomics Page 26

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lume 34:7 2013 • Vo July CONTENTS

of cts 6 CEO Update Effe ture ra tion Tempe va n atio on Preseror COVER STORY: PAGE 13 11 Underfunding Documents and Restnics Cryo of nts Effects of Temperature on Preservation 19 IN PERPETUITY Patie Page 13 and Restoration of Cryonics Patients We Shall Overcome: Legal At the recent Portland symposium about Approaches Towards Cryonics the Resuscitation and Reintegration of Patient Personhood cryonics patients,ISSN 1054-4305 CI director Ben Best Keegan Macintosh’s monthly y Know column about legal issues t Do We Reallring? presented on the effects of temperature Wha ractu $9.95 surrounding cryonics and life About F for the preservation and restoration Page 5 extension. nstructive of cryonics patients. Do repairs of Reco tomics Connec cryonics patients necessarily need to Page 26 23 Life, Our Asset Most Worthy be done at cryogenic temperatures? of Preservation Does intermediate temperature storage Daniel Witt’s recent presentation involve a risk of ongoing molecular at the May 2013 Asset mobility and associated damage? Will all Preservation group meeting is cryonics patients require repair of some a glowing recommendation of kind? Ben Best surveys the issues in this Suzanne Somers’ book Bombshell. technical article. 29 FOR THE RECORD Cryonics in New York: Human Freezings and Other Events, 1968-1969 Mike Perry’s indispensable 5 QUOD INCEPIMUS CONFICIEMUS column about important What Do We Really Know About Fracturing? figures and events in life extension, cryonics, and human Cryonics magazine editor Aschwin de Wolf’s column aims to enhancement. further the cause of human cryopreservation by debunking misconceptions and offering fresh perspectives. 35 Tech News We read the news to uncover the most promising and exciting 26 COOLER MINDS PREVAIL developments in science and technology. Reconstructive Connectomics A column by Chana de Wolf about neuroscience, cryonics, and 36 Membership Statistics life extension.

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 3 A Non-Profit Organization The James Bedford Society

ifts have played a fundamental role in the cryonics movement since its earliest days. Dr. James Bedford, a Editorial Board man whose extraordinary vision led him to become the Saul Kent G Ralph C. Merkle, Ph.D. first person to be cryopreserved, and the first to make a bequest to Brian Wowk, Ph.D. a cryonics organization, exemplified the determination of the early pioneers of cryonics. We invite you to follow in his footsteps, and Editor join the James Bedford Society. Aschwin de Wolf The James Bedford Society recognizes those who make a bequest of any size to the Alcor Life Extension Contributing Writers Foundation. If you have already provided a gift Ben Best for Alcor in your estate, please send a copy of your relevant documents Aschwin de Wolf to Alcor’s Finance Director, Bonnie Magee. Chana de Wolf If you’d like to learn more about setting up a bequest, send an email Keegan Macintosh to [email protected] or call 480-905-1906 x114 to discuss your gift.  Max More, Ph.D. Mike Perry, Ph.D. Daniel Witt ______Copyright 2013 by Alcor Life Extension Foundation 2013 Annual Giving Program All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or part, without lcor provides a wide array of services for you the member, and the general permission is prohibited. Apublic. We inform and educate, we protect and preserve, and we strive to remain at the forefront of cryonics technology. Cryonics magazine is published monthly. Since its founding, Alcor has relied on member support to maintain its mission and attract new members. Your support, regardless of size, can provide a better To subscribe to the printed edition future for all cryonicists. Please act now. and/or change your address, please call 480.905.1906 x101or visit the magazine Suggested Giving Levels website: www.alcor.org/magazine $20 Friend

Please note: If you change your address less than $60 Junior Supporter a month before the magazine is mailed, it may be sent to your old address. $120 Sustaining Supporter ______$500 Advocate Supporter Address correspondence to: Cryonics Magazine $1,000 Leading Supporter 7895 East Acoma Drive, Suite 110 Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 $2,500 Visionary Supporter Phone: 480.905.1906 Toll free: 877.462.5267 $5,000 Silver Supporter Fax: 480.922.9027 $10,000 Gold Supporter Letters to the Editor welcome: $25,000 Titanium Supporter [email protected] $50,000 Vanguard Supporter Advertising inquiries: 480.905.1906 x113 We encourage every member to donate. Even if you can only afford $5 right now, [email protected] you will make a significant contribution to Alcor’s future. ISSN: 1054-4305 Donations may be made via the Donations button on the Alcor website or by Visit us on the web at www.alcor.org contacting Alcor’s Finance Director, Bonnie Magee, at [email protected]. Your donation may be made as a lump sum or divided into easy monthly payments.  Alcor News Blog http://www.alcor.org/blog/

4 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org Quod incepimus conficiemus

Photo: Cryo-Care Equipment Corporation at 2340 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Bedford’s “home” in 1970 or 1971.

What Do We Really Know About Fracturing? By Aschwin de Wolf

he goal of any credible cryonics made against intermediate temperature Alcor was at a temperature of -134°C for organization is to develop reversible storage is that Alcor routinely records M22.” Tcryopreservation to avoid passing fracturing events above the nominal Is this what we can expect for M22 for on problems with the cryopreservation glass transition temperature (Tg) of the all patients, or was this an “ideal” case, process itself to the next generation. While vitrification solution. But if we recognize too? Would -130°C be a safe storage there is a lot of recognition for the need to that such events can be (partly) attributed temperature? Does molecular-scale ice eliminate cryoprotectant toxicity, it is rather to ice formation due to ischemia-induced nucleation, as distinct from ice growth, obvious that it will not be possible to restore perfusion impairment it should be obvious constitute damage? integrated function in a fractured brain. that the recording of fracturing events above Despite all the articles and discussions The 2011 3rd Quarter issue of Cryonics Tg as such cannot be an argument against that have been devoted to the topic of magazine features a comprehensive update ITS. After all, we also do not argue against intermediate temperature storage, we do on intermediate temperature storage (ITS) the use of vitrification solutions because not seem to know much yet about fracturing by Dr. Brian Wowk. This article contains an ice formation will still occur in ischemic in (large) tissues that are well equilibrated important observation: patients that are perfused with vitrification with a vitrification solution and subjected Acoustic events consistent with fracturing were solutions. Because cryonics patients almost to a responsible cooling protocol. While found to be universal during cooling through the invariably suffer some degree of ischemia the crackphone data seem to support the cryogenic temperature range. They occurred whether prior to cryoprotective perfusion and use of the newer vitrification solutions for patients were frozen or vitrified. If cryoprotection is cryopreservation, our knowledge about reducing fracturing, controlled studies of good, they typically begin below the glass transition fracturing events in “ideal” human cases fracturing in vitrified tissues will need to be temperature (-123°C for M22 vitrification remains incomplete. conducted in a lab to really understand what solution). If cryoprotective perfusion does not go Hugh Hixon has developed a we can expect under ideal (non-ischemic) well, then fracturing events begin at temperatures “crackphone” to detect acoustic events that circumstances.  as warm as -90°C. Higher fracturing temperatures are presumed to reflect fracturing events. are believed to occur when tissue freezes instead of A preliminary survey of the data reveals, Dr. Bedford’s “home” had been incorrectly attributed in the banner illustration to vitrifies because freezing increases the glass transition roughly, that the first temperature at which Aschwin’s regular column “Quod Incepimus temperature of solution between ice crystals. The cracking events are recorded is lower for the Conficiemus.” The building was right but temperature at which fractures begin is therefore newer generation of vitrification solutions the location and time were not. We thank believed to be a surrogate measure of goodness of than for the older glycerol solutions. Does Frank Reichenbacher and Ted Kraver who cryoprotection, with lower temperatures being better. this mean that fracturing occurs at lower helped care for Dr. Bedford in the early days This is an important observation because temperatures in “vitrified” patients? “The for supplying the correct information and one of the arguments that is still being lowest first fracturing event recorded at apologize for the error. — editorial staff.

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 5 CEO Update By Max More

The Underfunding Plan

uppose that you are talking to a young rates, so that the early members, signed up all cases, this would result in underfunded adult. He tells you that he has decided at lower rates, would be a small percentage whole members becoming neuro members Sto save up to buy an automobile when of the total. with funding of at least the current he reaches his 70th birthday. Checking In reality, growth rates have declined minimum. current prices, he sees that the car he wants over the years. The majority of Alcor Members with cryopreservation for his older self currently sells for around members are funded at levels below funding below today’s minimum levels of $20,000. “Let’s see. That’s about 50 years current minimums. The total amount of funding will be required to pay additional in the future. I only need to save $400 per underfunding grew to over $32 million. membership dues to help reduce Alcor’s year,” he says. Most of us will immediately (It has since come down to around $25.5 underfunding liability. The additional see the absurdity of this approach. You million.) Continuing to cryopreserve annual membership dues required of would tell the young fellow that in 50 members at very outdated rates would underfunded Alcor members will be based years, this car may cost more because it is bankrupt the organization and lead to the upon the following formula: the amount of a higher quality and comes with more permanent death of all existing patients. of money the member is underfunded that features. More critically, he is failing to This problem has been allowed to fester year will be multiplied by 1%. Thus, if a allow for inflation. for too long. The longer we wait to deal member is underfunded by $60,000, the Since inflation has averaged a little over with it, the more painful any solution amount of additional dues that member 3% annually over the long term, prices can would be. After two years of information will be required to pay over a year will be reasonably be expected to double about gathering and discussion, in March of $600. The normal monthly rate would be every 24 years. In 50 years, prices are likely this year the current Alcor board reached 1/12 of 1% of the amount the member to double and then double again. That majority agreement on an Underfunding is underfunded that year, our example $20,000 car may cost around $80,000 in Plan. This plan creates a means to reduce member paying $50. the currency of the future. The real cost, in and eventually eliminate the underfunding Additional membership dues for inflation-adjusted prices, may be no higher problem while creating options to enable underfunded members will start on than today’s, and incomes will also have badly underfunded members to remain September 1, 2013 but the additional gone up in nominal terms, but a plan to covered. dues will be phased in gradually. From save a nominal amount of $400 per year is Our first preference is, whenever September 1, 2013 until December 31, doomed to failure. possible, for underfunded members 2013, underfunded members will be Inflation affects everything, including to raise their funding levels to at least required to pay 1/3rd of the normal the provision of cryonics. It was never current minimums. These remain unchanged monthly rate for 4 months. From realistic to believe that 1980s prices of at $200,000 for members choosing whole- January 1, 2014 until December 31, 2014, $35,000 for neuro and $100,000 for whole body cryopreservation and $80,000 for underfunded members will be required body cryopreservation would be adequate members choosing neurocryopreservation. to pay 2/3rds of 1% of the amount of decades later. And, indeed, it has never been This can be done by purchasing additional their underfunding. From January 1, 2015 official policy to grandfather members at life insurance, annuities, or other approved and in subsequent years, underfunded old cryopreservation rates, but in practice financial instruments, or by prepaying the members will be required to pay 1% of this has been allowed to happen. Both difference. Whole body members who are the amount of their underfunding. The members and administrators may have underfunded have another option: They Alcor Board will evaluate the effects of the expected much higher membership growth can change to neuropreservation. In almost Underfunding Plan every year and reserves

6 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org the right to make changes in the plan or Life Members will not be charged board reports to reflect a focus on those eliminate it entirely. additional membership dues under the priorities. In this update, I’ll draw on those Underfunding dues will be rounded Underfunding Plan unless they request reports to show what I’ve been doing to to the nearest $5. Let’s say you remain and sign the “Underfunding Plan Opt-In move us forward. underfunded by $50,000. How much will Form” (available to Life Members upon the additional bill be for the rest of this request from Alcor). Choosing to opt-in Growth in membership year, and for subsequent years? These are to the Underfunding Plan is a means for The goal is to double the rate of net the amounts: underfunded Life Members to continue membership growth from 2% to 4%. September-December 2013: $55. their arrangements without increasing their (Growth has actually been lower than 2% cryopreservation funding to meet current recently.) This can be accomplished by a 2014: $335 (or $30/month) minimums. combination of increasing the number of 2015: $500 ($40/month). The option to pay additional dues in place new members and reducing the attrition of ensuring funding at or above minimums rate. All underfunded members will receive is available only to members who joined I have been continuing to work on my one bill for September through December Alcor on or before May 12, 2013. For plan for a Membership Dues Reduction 2013, regardless of their payment details of the plan, see the Underfunding Fund. This is an extremely high priority. frequency. Plan documents in this issue. Too often, I hear about a member dropping For 2014 and forward, the member will Alcor’s board and management their membership because of the high level receive a bill for their underfunded amount understand that the Underfunding Plan will of dues. After working through various with their regular dues bills. All additional result in some difficult decisions for some scenarios and amounts, I estimate that— dues will be shown as a separate line on a members. We hope that you understand the if we could raise around $1.3 million for member’s regular membership dues invoice critical importance of finally dealing with this fund—we could reduce membership and billed at the same frequency and date this problem and work with us in solving dues from $800 to $595 for those paying that they are typically billed. it. If, after reading the accompanying full rates (i.e., those paid by members who What happens if you are an underfunded Plan documents, you have questions or receive no reductions as family members, neuro member and simply cannot raise comments about the Underfunding Plan or students, or long-term members). The your funding to current minimums? its implementation, you should call me at funds raised would be kept in a reserve Underfunded neurocryopreservation Alcor toll-free at 1-877-462-5267, Ext.113 account and used over a ten-year period. members who do not pay the additional or Bonnie Magee, Finance Director, The idea is to grow membership while dues or increase their funding to the Ext.114. having a positive net effect (based on current minimum will be referred to the conservative assumptions) on dues income Underfunding Committee to attempt to Cryopreservations this year even when the fund is exhausted. work out a solution to enable them to 2012 was a slow year for cryopreservations. All the evidence on the elasticity of maintain their Alcor membership. One We expect eight per year on average, based demand for our services tells me we are alternative that may become available to on the size and age distribution of Alcor’s now past the point of revenue optimization such members is financial help from the membership. We cryopreserved only and that a cut in dues is needed to spur Alcor Hardship Fund. This fund will be three members last year. Barely into the both retention and growth. I’m currently seeded with money from Alcor’s reserve third month of 2013, this year appeared fleshing out this proposal so as to present account, and we hope to raise money to determined to catch up to statistical it to the board and then, if approved, add to that initial amount. averages. About three weeks after Kim communicate it to our wealthier members. It is possible that in the future, we will Suozzi entered our care, we cryopreserved I have proposed, and the board has be able to add another option: a reduced a member we can only refer to as A-1349 accepted, a plan to give discounts on level of service for underfunded members on February 6. One month later, on March membership dues for those who have been who cannot raise their funding or pay 6, we cryopreserved member A-2605, who members for at least 20 years. This has the additional dues. However, this is not became Alcor’s 116th patient. And on already clearly helped us retain at least one part of the current plan, and there is no March 10, we received our 117th patient long-term member who was considering agreement on what such a reduced level of (and fourth of the year), following a dropping his arrangements due to the cost. service would look like. It’s also possible standby by Suspended Animation. Since I will propose (modest) new discounts for (and a major goal of mine) that we will be then, however, things have calmed down long-term members (25 years and 30 years) able to reduce the standard membership and we’ve seen no new cases as of mid- to improve retention. dues, thereby reducing the increase in June. In order to reward members who bring overall costs. Again, these are speculative At the Strategic Meeting in September in new members (meaning that the new possibilities for the future; they are not 2012, the board and I agreed on five top person would have to complete the signup current options. priorities. Recently, I’ve structured my process and start paying dues), I introduced

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 7 and publicized a dues waiver for bringing in Over the last few months, I’ve dealt with (a) make the look more contemporary new members. 4,522 people have seen the numerous media inquiries, and several and appealing; and (b) help visitors with Facebook post that links to the Alcor blog photo shoots and filmed interviews. This specific needs to better find what they are entry about this. included frequent contact with the New looking for. One of Alcor’s members is We are working to build up regional York Times concerning their planned putting together a proposed new look, at interest and response capabilities. This detailed coverage of Kim Suozzi’s situation no charge to us. includes finalizing a location for stationing and cryopreservation. I fact-checked and It’s not quite “media,” but on Saturday a kit in Canada, supporting a new effort suggested revisions to the script of a BBC March 30, I gave a talk and participated in in Germany, and holding a gathering of documentary largely based on interviews a panel on transhumanism at the Pacific Arizona members (which took place on with UK cryonicists. After considerable meeting of the American Philosophical Saturday March 9). preparation, I made a frustratingly brief Association in San Francisco. I answered I have been working with a media call-in appearance on the very popular CBS questions about cryonics. The session was consultant, with whom we’ve worked in the daytime TV show, The Doctors, which was recorded on video and put online, hopefully past. Among the projects he will be working shown on Monday March 4. raising awareness of cryonics and related on with us are a new b-roll for sending out On April 8, I and others were filmed for concerns among philosophers. to media. He has already converted video of the NOVA special, “Colder,” which is part of Finally, following my talk to the New the Alcor-40 conference talks into a better the Making Stuff special series. This episode Community Jewish High School in format, ready for uploading, and worked will cover cryo-medicine, cryobiology, Southern California (an annual tradition), with us to create a new ad for Life Extension cryosurgery, organ freezing, suspended I received a note of thanks saying, “After magazine to replace the current one with animation, vitrification, and cryonics, and your presentation our head of school one that we hope will be more effective. I should air in fall 2013. Media outreach has was approached by students in deep have recorded the first five of the YouTube also included responding to initial inquiries conversation concerning life extension and video series that I’ve long wanted to do. from National Geographic; from the show Joe Judaism.” We filmed these in a nearby studio so as to Rogan Questions Everything; an interview for avoid the distraction of aircraft. Now our the widely-circulated French publication, Fundraising consultant will insert graphics, video, and VSD; and filming for a documentary, How The goal set is to cultivate relationships animations as appropriate. Once these are Much Time, Time Has; and a Boston Globe piece with six or more wealthy patrons; add $5 ready, I will announce on Alcor’s blog and on what it might be like if Ted Williams is to $7 million to the endowment fund. The Facebook page where to find them. revived. The article was spurred by a new 2% annual draw on the Endowment Fund Here’s a speculative idea for boosting novel in which this happens. currently contributes $70,000 to $80,000 growth by introducing a new class of The weekend of June 8 to 10 and the toward Alcor’s operational expenses. That’s members: Much lower dues, but higher start of the following week saw a major already a significant help, but a $12,000,000 CP minimums, maybe $500,000 for spurt of cryonics media coverage coming fund would contribute $240,000 per WB, $200,000 for N (to rise in line with out of England. This got started with a year. That would reduce our reliance inflation). This option might initially comment by Lord Rees at the Hay literary on membership dues and unpredictable only be for new members, but could be festival. During his talk he remarked bequests and other gifts. extended to existing members—but with something about cryonics that spurred Getting wealthy living members to smaller reduction in dues. This would help the interest of the Sunday Times. A Times contribute to the Endowment Fund is the move from dues to CP funding without journalist talked to Alcor member Anders difficult because the full legal structure reducing existing operating income. The Sandberg, and things developed from there, is not yet in place to guarantee that we extra funds from cryopreserving this class leading to copycat pieces in the Daily Mail, will not draw more than 2% per year. In of members could be divided between the The Independent, International Business Times, the past, endowments have been drawn operating reserve fund, the Hardship Fund, and iScienceTimes with titles like “Oxford down at faster rates for projects that and the Endowment. scholars want heads frozen after they die” seemed urgent at the time. Over the last and “Academics at Oxford University pay several years, the board has exercised real Media to be cryogenically preserved and brought discipline in keeping to the 2% draw-down Engaging effectively with media spreads back to life in the future.” Anders broke his limit, but nothing in principle prevents this awareness of cryonics and spurs interest, record by giving 7 interviews in one day. from happening. We are currently working hopefully eventually leading to new I am currently considering a new on finally creating a true Endowment Fund members. Our Membership Administrator, design for the Alcor website that reflects that does include such a guarantee. At that Diane Cremeens, says she has seen an currently-favored styles, and that is more point, it should become somewhat easier to increase in applications and calls asking accessible (and less overwhelming) for raise funds. In the meantime, as mentioned for information, and many of these callers visitors looking for information. The idea above, I am focusing my fundraising efforts mention hearing about Alcor in the media. is not to make changes to content but to on completing a proposal for a Membership

8 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org Dues Reduction Fund and on meeting Improved coordination with SA Achieving structural financial balance with Alcor’s known wealthier members to The goal is to improve communication and The goal here is to be able to cover explain the benefits of contributing to this coordination with Suspended Animation all operating expenses without relying fund. (SA). Since Alcor now depends on Suspended on extraordinary income. “Structural During my time in the Bay Area from Animation for standby, stabilization, and financial balance” means being able to March 28 to April 2, I drove almost 600 transport of Alcor members in all US states cover all our regular expenses with regular miles among numerous meetings. These outside of Arizona (but not outside of the income, without relying on unpredictable included several entrepreneurs, and USA), obviously we need to ensure optimal and variable income such as donations, both members and non-members with communication and coordination between bequests, and case income. In my view, it considerable resources. I also met with the two organizations. We need to cooperate is an extremely conservative goal since— Michael West, who has long been on Alcor’s effectively while ensuring quality control. To at least over the course of several years— Scientific Advisory Board. Among many further this, Catherine Baldwin and I have “unpredictable” income is practically other helpful thoughts, Michael suggested agreed to talk at least monthly about any inevitable even when the amount is prominent people to contact. My last issues or concerns or opportunities. I have uncertain. Even so, shooting for this goal meeting in the area was with Ray Kurzweil, been trumpeting the cause of “evidence- helps move us toward a strongly defensible who is now working at Google. Although based cryonics,” which includes improving long-term financial position—something cryonics is only “Plan D” for Ray, he is objective feedback about our procedures. that never existed for the first several supportive of Alcor and so we might hope SA’s recent agreement to provide Alcor with decades of cryonics history. he will eventually stimulate interest among a video recording of their entire procedure Balance in structural finances can Google executives. is therefore very welcome and much be achieved through a combination appreciated. of controlling or reducing costs and SOPs and backup training Here is an update from SA, as of June increasing regular revenues (primarily The goal here is to minimize the disruption 12, 2013: Suspended Animation occupies membership dues and Endowment Fund of losing staff. We want to produce leased spaces in South Florida and income). We have been reaping savings detailed standard operating procedures Southern California to support its client from the insulation installed throughout (SOPs) for every staff member as well as to services and research and development the building just over a year ago. We greatly think about who could take over any given operations. SA has offices, equipment and appreciate LEF’s support that enables position. This project is to be completed mobile operating vehicles in both of these us to produce, print, and mail copies of within 12 months (by the September 2013 locations and SA staff and contractors Cryonics magazine at no cost to Alcor. (Too Strategic Meeting). Given the wide range work from both places. many members are unaware of this and of tasks involved in most jobs at Alcor, In December 2012, SA purchased a think we are wasting money on printing getting this done takes a lot of work, but building in Southern California and in paper copies. Since we know that quite lends itself to an incremental approach. January 2013, they leased a new space in a few members did not read the online- I have been meeting with staff members South Florida. Over the course of 2013, only version, the LEF contribution helps to go over their list of SOPs and to set SA will continue operating out of its improve communications with members priorities for completing them. Many SOPs existing facilities in Southern California and potential members.) have been completed, but plenty remains and South Florida while the new ones are Together with Finance Director Bonnie to be done. Creating SOPs may seem like being redesigned and remodeled. Once Magee, I’ve examined both big and small a boring and formal process; but consider completed, SA will move from its old expenses to see where savings might be what it would be like to suddenly lose facilities into the new facilities. made, and considered possible ways of someone like Hugh Hixon. Hugh has been Cryopreservation patient field recovery reducing operating expenses without with Alcor since well back into the 1980s services based in South Florida and Southern cutting into our capabilities. A modest and carries with him a vast amount and California will be unaffected by the moves. improvement to the structural budget variety and depth of knowledge about (SA responded rapidly to handle two Alcor has also come from a more accurate our procedures. If he were to have a heart patients already this year.) Research and distribution of costs among operations, attack or be run over by a bus tomorrow, development projects are being migrated PCT, CMS, and Research. how would we manage? Creating SOPs and temporarily to the laboratories of SA We recently lost our highly-valued, developing a succession management plan partners and collaborators to minimize eight-year front office administrator is extremely important and long overdue. disruption when SA’s labs are moved. SA D’Bora Tarrant, who has moved on to a The task is more difficult than it might ran its regular quarterly training in the first new position after completing law classes. seem: converting the implicit knowledge quarter of 2013 and although no training As part of the effort to reduce expenses, of years of experience into explicit written will be offered during the second quarter I decided to replace the full-time position (and sometimes illustrated) instructions of 2013, training sessions will resume in with a part-time person with fewer hours can often be challenging. the third quarter of 2013. and benefits. I estimate that the savings

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 9 could more than half the current estimate Improvements perfusion chapter be tackled very soon, for the structural deficit in 2014. There are several areas in which I’m and noted the lack of a planned chapter Although health insurance costs in our currently looking to improve various for surgery. area for organizations like us are going up aspects of our operations. A recent Finally, on the non-technical side, I have 20% this year, by making some changes we discussion about when to terminate set out to improve strategic alignment managed to keep the rise down to under cardiopulmonary support (CPS) and start between Alcor’s core goals and each staff 10%. In addition, two staff members might surgery and perfusion led to improved member’s activities, and I’m introducing soon be covered by other health insurance, guidelines. Rather than a set temperature two new tools. The first is the “Waiting On” creating further savings and probably target of 20ºC, we will instead look at the list, which helps everyone to know who is entirely eliminating the cost increase this rate of cooling. If cooling is rapid, CPS waiting on them for information or action year. may be terminated at a lower temperature. in order for a project to move forward. Finally, Bonnie and I met with At 30ºC, we want to see a cooling rate of The second is a new way for everyone to representatives from the bank where we at least 0.10 C/minute. At 20ºC, it should organize their To Do lists. I’ve organized have our checking account and two reserve be at least 0.067 C/minute. And at 15ºC, my own task list into six quadrants, based accounts. We are discussing options for it should be at least 0.05 C/minute. Slower primarily on the five top priorities we agreed reducing fees and raising returns (since the rates indicate terminating CPS, gaining on at the last Strategic Meeting. Each staff balances currently earn less than inflation), surgical access and then rapidly cooling member will have to relate their own top and for possibly investing some portion of by passing cryoprotectant through a heat areas of activity to my own. This should the reserves for a higher return. exchanger. help highlight to each individual where he In addition to these top five areas, I We are looking to improve surgical or she should be spending most of their am giving priority to three additional procedures, inviting feedback from new time. This approach was discussed at a areas: research and feedback; continuous surgeons, and filming and reviewing recent staff meeting, and I’ll be monitoring improvement; and organization robustness. surgical procedures in high definition adherence and effectiveness. digital video. Suspended Animation Research and feedback has agreed to supply us with HD video Robustness The first of these involves Alcor either recording of their procedures on our You could think of this as risk management conducting or funding good quality patients. and building organizational resilience. It research, as well as improving the quality We have set up an agreement with an involves continuing to identify potential of information on our procedures. We have agency for round-the-clock monitoring failure modes in all aspects of Alcor’s entered discussions for possible research of patients and the ability to pronounce work and find ways to mitigate them. A to be conducted in Germany. In February, without delay. We are also looking into top security expert recently spent a day at we had CT scans of two neuro patients better patient monitoring and the use Alcor, looking closely into many aspects of (both of whom had given prior explicit of existing devices or developing new our physical and operational security. The permission). One of our regular surgeons, devices to provide alerts of sudden and measures we could take to improve security who is a neurosurgeon, examined the critical changes in patient condition. We are endless. Certain kinds of attacks cannot results and gave us useful feedback. We will are hoping to purchase some cooling feasibly be prevented. What we can do is soon complete documenting the process masks, to further accelerate cooling in improve deterrence, delay intrusions so as of CT scanning neuro patients. Although local cases, and we have stocked up on to give police more time to respond, and the Cryopreservation Agreement allows us highly absorbent material to soak up set up procedures and drills that could to conduct these scans, we want to show potentially hazardous fluids on the OR make a significant difference to the security members exactly how they are done. floor. Although happy with our regular of patients and staff. Some improvements Two phases of a new research two surgeons, I’ve been concerned about are relatively inexpensive and can be done collaboration between Advanced Neural unusual circumstances in which neither is quickly. Others will be more expensive and Biosciences (ANB) and Alcor have been available when needed. We now have two might be considered for implementation completed. ANB is generating rat brain additional surgeons who have observed over a number of years. There are limits to electron micrographs after various periods and now conducted surgery. what we can do with the building we have. of cold ischemia to generate data that I put in place a new policy for case Finally, to protect Alcor’s human capital allows Alcor to make more informed reports: A first draft is to be prepared and reduce the probability of injuries from decisions about last-minute “post- within 7 to 10 days of a new case. These falls (especially among our more senior mortem” cases. We also are comparing are important forms of documenting staff), I am introducing a (voluntary) our organ preservation solution, MHP-2, our procedures as actually implemented. exercise routine. The goal is to build against a new 21st Century Medicine brain Normative descriptions of procedures are strength, stability and balance, and reduce preservation solution to see if progress can being gathered in the Human Cryopreservation health risks and accidents.  be made in that area, too. Procedures manual. I have asked that the

10 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org Alcor Underfunding Committee Version 2.11b-5a May 4th, 2013

Underfunding Committee a future year. The Underfunding Committee shall reconsider The Alcor Board of Directors will appoint a committee (the requests for subsidized payments on an annual basis. “Underfunding Committee”) composed of at least one Alcor In no event shall the Underfunding Committee authorize a Board member and at least 2 other Alcor Members, all to payment in excess of the funds available in the Hardship Fund. serve 2 year terms. Members who face difficulties in increasing The Underfunding Committee will annually evaluate whether their funding or paying their Membership Dues may contact total payments and future projected payments will result in the Underfunding Committee to explore potential solutions. the eventual depletion of the Hardship Fund and report this The Underfunding Committee will seek to work proactively evaluation and their recommendations on how to avoid such and flexibly with these Underfunded Members to attempt depletion to the Board at the annual September Alcor Board to find funding solutions that retain them as Members while meeting. ensuring Alcor’s long-term financial health. The Underfunding There is no guarantee that the Hardship Fund or the Committee will not be deemed a fiduciary of any Member, Underfunding Committee will exist in the future, and any but instead a liaison to discuss alternatives, if any, that an subsidization and/or payments authorized by the Underfunding Underfunded Member might have to continue membership. Committee shall not be construed or deemed a modification of The Underfunding Committee will not have any obligation to any Member’s agreement with Alcor. The Hardship Fund and provide funding to Underfunded Members, and does so at its the Underfunding Committee are independent and separate sole discretion. The Underfunding Committee has no authority from any agreement between a Member and Alcor. Neither the to modify the terms of a Member’s agreement with Alcor. establishment of the Underfunding Committee or the Hardship Fund will be deemed a modification to the agreement between Hardship Fund a Member and Alcor. The “Hardship Fund” is hereby established and seeded with a $20,000 loan from Alcor’s Reserve Fund to provide financial Donations to the Hardship Fund assistance to Members who cannot pay their Membership Dues The Hardship Fund shall be described, as appropriate, in fund- due to demonstrated financial hardship, in the sole discretion of raising materials as an Alcor fund available for directed donation. the Underfunding Committee. The loan shall be repaid in the event that the Underfunding Committee determines that such Purpose repayment can be made without detriment to the purposes of Subject to the foregoing terms, the Hardship Fund is intended the hardship fund. Suspended Animation, Inc. (“SA”) has agreed to provide relief to Neurocryopreservation Members who are to provide field washouts free of charge for cases of Members unable to pay their Membership Dues because of increases accepted by the Underfunding Committee. When Alcor receives in their minimum required amount of funding. Alcor expects the benefit of such a free field washout, the funds not paid to to continue previous policies with regard to non-payment of Suspended Animation, Inc. will be paid to the Hardship Fund dues for other reasons or non-payment of CMS fees, including from the CMS Fund (or, if the CMS Fund no longer exists or but not limited to cancellation of membership in accordance is no longer used to pay SA for its standby services when it with the terms of a Member’s Cryopreservation Agreement or performs a field washout, then from such Fund as is normally Cryonic Suspension Agreement. In addition, the Hardship Fund used to pay SA for such services). SA’s offer to pay for field is not intended to be a substitute for maintaining “minimum washouts for cases of Members accepted by the Underfunding funding” as defined in a Member’s Cryopreservation Agreement Committee shall be reconsidered by SA on an annual basis. or Cryonic Suspension Agreement that was required when Decisions with respect to payments from the Hardship Fund the Member first joined Alcor; Alcor expects to continue will be made by the Underfunding Committee. The Hardship previous policies with regard to minimum funding, including Fund will pay the least part of the additional Membership but not limited to cancellation in accordance with the terms Dues, caused by the Underfunding Plan, of Members who have of a Member’s Cryopreservation Agreement. For example, a selected the neurocryopreservation option, that it determines Member whose life insurance policy has been canceled cannot is reasonably sufficient to allow these Members to meet their simply pay increased Membership Dues to avoid cancelation of obligations. Payment from the Hardship Fund on behalf of a his or her Membership.  Member in a particular year is not a guarantee of payment in www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 11 Alcor Underfunding PLAN Version 2.11b-5a May 4th, 2013

Summary the current Required Cryopreservation Funding Minimum Underfunded Alcor Members who became Members of Alcor for neurocryopreservation is $80,000.00. Alcor will change prior to adoption of this Underfunding Plan (“Existing Members or increase the current Required Cryopreservation Funding who are or become Underfunded”) shall pay Additional Minimums from time to time, and will give notice to Members Membership Dues, as described herein, in addition to any other of such change or increase. Members with funding at or above applicable Membership Dues, commencing on September 1st, their required minimums are not affected by this Notice and 2013. need take no immediate action. Underfunded Members may (a) provide increased funding in order to comply with their new Notice of Increase in Minimums minimum funding requirements or (b) take advantage of this All Alcor Members will be given 90 days written notice, in Underfunding Plan or (c) select a less expensive membership accordance with their Cryopreservation Agreement or Cryonic option. The Underfunding Plan can be helpful to Members in Suspension Agreement, that their required minimum funding will managing their short term finances. It is not expected to be now and in the future be the current Required Cryopreservation the most economical method of providing long term funding. Funding Minimum for the membership option they have selected Underfunded Members are encouraged to increase their funding (whole body cryopreservation or neurocryopreservation, as to the extent practical. Alcor’s preference is for all its Members appropriate). The current Required Cryopreservation Funding to be and remain fully funded.  Minimum for whole body cryopreservation is $200,000.00 and

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12 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org Effects of Temperature on Preservation and Restoration of Cryonics Patients By Ben Best

[The following is a text adaptation of a PowerPoint presentation given on Sunday, May 12, 2013 at the Resuscitation and Reintegration of Cryonics Patients Symposium in Portland, Oregon]

n understanding of probable future 2003). The online Alcor library contains that is temperature-independent. In fact, repair requirements for cryonics articles detailing repair of cryonics patients nanomachines would probably operate Apatients could affect current cryo- by nanorobots at cryogenic temperature, more effectively at cryogenic temperature storage temperature practices. I believe that in particular, “A Cryopreservation because there would be far less jostling molecular nanotechnology at cryogenic Revival Scenario using Molecular of atoms in the molecular structures temperatures will probably be required for Nanotechnology” by Ralph Merkle and upon which nanomachines would operate. repair and revival of all cryonics patients Robert Freitas as well as “‘Realistic’ Nanomachines would also be less vulnerable in cryo-storage now and in the foreseeable Scenario for Nanotechnological Repair to reactions with oxygen at cryogenic future. Current nanotechnology is far from of the Frozen Human Brain.” Despite temperature, although it would nonetheless being adequate for that task. I believe that the detailed descriptions, calculations, and be preferable for cryogenic nanorepair to warming cryonics patients to temperatures quantitative analyses that have been given, occur in an oxygen-free environment. where diffusion-based devices could any technology as remote from present Although under ideal circumstances ice operate would result in dissolution capabilities as cryogenic nanotechnology is formation can be prevented in cryonics of structure by hydrolysis and similar certain to be very different from whatever patients, circumstances too often result in molecular motion before repair could be anyone may currently imagine. It is difficult at least some freezing―such as inability to achieved. I believe that the technologies to argue against claims that all such perfuse with vitrification solution, or poor for scanning the brain/mind of a cryonics descriptions are nothing more than hand- perfusion with vitrification solution because patient, and reconstructing a patient from waving, blue-sky speculations. of ischemia due to delayed treatment. the scan are much more remote in the Current medical applications of Past cryonics patients were perfused future than cryogenic nanotechnology. nanotechnology are mainly limited to the with the (anti-freeze) cryoprotectant Cryonicists face a credibility problem. use of nanoparticles for drug delivery.1 glycerol, whereas cryonics patients are It is important to show that resuscitation Nanomachines are being built, but they are currently perfused with cryoprotectant technology is possible (or not impossible) little more than toys ― including a rotor that solutions that include ethylene glycol if cryonicists are to convince ourselves can propel a molecule2 or microcantilever and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Unlike or convince others that current cryonics deflection of DNA by electrostatic force.3 water, which forms crystalline ice when practice is not a waste of money and effort. In classical mechanics and kinetic solidifying upon cooling, cryoprotectants For some people it is adequate to know that theory of gases, on a molecular level, form an amorphous (non-crystalline, the anatomical basis of the mind is being temperature is defined in terms of the vitreous) solid (a “hardened liquid”) when preserved well enough ― even if in a very average translational kinetic energy of solidifying upon cooling. The “hardened fragmented form ― that some unspecified molecules, which means that the lower liquid” is a glass rather than an ice. The future technology could repair and restore the temperature the slower the motion of temperature at which the solidification memory and personal identity. Other the molecules. According to the Arrhenius (vitrification) occurs is called the glass people want more detailed elaboration. Equation, the rate of a chemical reaction transition temperature (Tg). Books have detailed what declines exponentially with temperature For M22, the cryoprotectant used by nanotechnology robots (nanorobots) will decline. It would be wrong to conclude Alcor to vitrify cryonics patients, Tg is look-like and be capable-of, including that nanomachines would barely be able to typically between −123°C and −124°C (notably) Nanosystems by K. Eric Drexler move at cryogenic temperatures, however. (depending on the cooling rate). Tg is (1992) and Nanomedicine by Robert A. Nanomachines operate by mechanical about the same for the cryoprotectant Freitas, Jr. (Volume I, 1999; Volume IIA, movement of constituent atoms, a process (VM-1) used for cryonics patients at the

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 13 Cryonics Institute. for cryonics patients. CI patients are cooling from Tg to −140°C. Although freezing can be reduced or cooled quickly from −118°C to −145°C, I have wondered whether there are eliminated by perfusing cryonics patients and then cooled slowly to −196°C.5 forms of damage which would occur with vitrification solution before cooling In order to minimize or eliminate in a cryonics patient stored at −140°C to Tg, eliminating cracking is a more cracking in cryonics patients, proposals that would not occur during storage at difficult problem. Cryonics patients are have been made to store the patients at −196°C. A solid cryogenic state of matter cooled to cryogenic temperatures by temperatures lower than Tg (−124°C), but does not prevent molecular motion. external cooling. Thermal conductivity is higher than liquid nitrogen temperature Molecular motion in a biological sample slow in a cryonics patient, which means (−196°C).6 Such a cryo-storage protocol held at cryogenic temperature could result that the outside gets much colder than is described as Intermediate Temperature in damage to that sample. the inside. When the outside of a sample Storage (ITS). Alcor currently cares for a Ions generated by radiation are cools more quickly than the inside of the number of ITS patients at −140°C, but a much more mobile than molecules. sample, thermal stress results. A vitrified consensus has not yet been reached about An ionic species (probably protons) in patient subjected to such thermal stress what ITS temperature will be chosen when trimethylammonium dihydrogen phosphate can crack or fracture. No efforts have been this service is made available to all Alcor glass is nine orders of magnitude more made to find additives to M22 that would members. mobile than the glass molecules—and have a similar effect as boron oxide has Although Alcor's vitrification solution sodium ions in sodium disilicate glass are on allowing Pyrex glass to avoid thermal M22 can prevent ice formation with some twelve orders of magnitude more mobile stress. samples and protocols, M22 cannot prevent than the glass molecules.9 If a vitrified sample is small enough, ice nuclei from forming at cryogenic Cryobiologist Peter Mazur has stated and if cooling is slow enough, the sample temperatures. Ice nuclei are local clusters that below −130°C “...viscosity is so high can be cooled far below Tg ― down to of water molecules that rotate into an (>1013 Poise) that diffusion is insignificant liquid nitrogen temperature ― without orientation that favors later growth of ice over less than geological time spans.” He cracking. A rabbit kidney (10 milliliter crystals when a solution is warmed. Ice adds that “...there is no confirmed case of volume) can be cooled down to liquid nuclei are not damaging, but the fact that ice cell death ascribed to storage at −196°C nitrogen temperature in two days without nuclei can form indicates molecular mobility for some 2-15 years and none even when cracking/fracturing.6 Cryonics patients which could be damaging. Specifically, cells are exposed to levels of ionizing are much too large to be cooled to liquid between the temperatures of −100°C and radiation some 100 times background for nitrogen temperature over a period of −135°C, ice nuclei can form in M22, with up to 5 yr.”10 Frozen 8-cell mouse embryos days without cracking. The amount of the maximum ice nucleation rate occurring subjected to the equivalent of 2,000 years time required for cooling vitrified cryonics near Tg. At −140°C the ice nucleation rate of background gamma rays during 5 to patients to liquid nitrogen temperature for M22 is undetectable. But nuclei will be 8 months in liquid nitrogen showed no without cracking is unknown, and would probably formed in cooling to −140°C. evident detrimental effect on survival or probably be much too long. Although cryostorage at −140°C is an development.11 In 1990 cryobiologist Dr. Gregory Fahy attempt to minimize cracking and minimize In attempting to evaluate damaging published results of cracking experiments nucleation, this ITS neither eliminates effects of temperature and radiation, it that he performed on samples of the cracking nor ice nuclei formation. could be valuable to analyze chemical cryoprotectant propylene glycol.4 Tg for Cryonics patients slowly cooled from Tg alterations, rather than complete cell death propylene glycol is −108°C, but in RPS-2 to −140°C will surely experience some or viability. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme carrier solution the Tg is −107°C. In one ice nucleation. Alcor places a listening subjected to X-ray irradiation shows experiment he demonstrated that cracking device (“crackphone”) under the skull conformational changes at −118°C, but no began at lower temperatures for smaller of its cryonics patients for the purpose conformational changes when irradiated samples, specifically: −143°C for 46 mL, of monitoring cracking events. My at −173°C.12 X-ray irradiation of insulin −116°C for 482 mL, and −111°C for 1412 understanding is that for most Alcor and elastase crystals resulted in four times mL. (The last volume is comparable to the patients the crackphone detects cracking as much damage to disulfide bridges at volume of an adult human brain.) Dr. Fahy at Tg or only slightly below Tg, although −173°C compared to −223°C.13 Another also demonstrated that cracking could be there was reportedly one M22-perfused study showed a 25% crystal diffraction delayed by cooling at slower cooling rates. patient for which the first fracturing event lifetime extension for D-xylose isomerase But when cracking did occur, the cracks occurred at −134°C. The propylene glycol crystals X-ray irradiated at less than −253°C formed at the lower temperatures were experiments would support the view of compared to those irradiated at −173°C.14 finer and more numerous. cracking occurring slightly below Tg, but One study showed that lettuce seeds Based on evidence that large cracks vitrified biological samples resist cracking show measurable deterioration when stored formed at higher temperatures by more better than pure cryoprotectant solutions. at liquid nitrogen temperature for periods rapid cooling results in a relief of thermal With ice formation, cracking could occur of 10 to 20 years. Rotational molecular stress that prevents the fine and more at temperatures higher than Tg. Although mobility was quantified. A graphical plot numerous cracks formed when cracking ITS may prevent the formation of cracking was generated showing increasing times begins at lower temperature, the Cryonics that could occur in cooling below −140°C, for when 50% of lettuce seeds would fail Institute (CI) altered its cooling protocol it does not prevent the cracks that occur in to germinate as a function of decreasing

14 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org temperature. Those times were estimated to or ischemia had destroyed blood vessels, used in microelectromechanical systems be about 500 years for −135°C and about artificial shafts would be created. Unlike (MEMS).23 High density batteries could 3,400 years for −196°C.15 Translational the nano-mining that simply removes all provide power for days, and recharging vibrational motion has been given as an blood vessel contents, the creation of stations could be located throughout the explanation for seed quality deterioration at artificial shafts would have the character patient. Alternatively, nanotube cables cryogenic temperatures.16 The mean square of an archeological dig. Care would be could bring power to the patient from vibrational amplitude of a water molecule taken in removing material to avoid the outside. Such cables could also be is not even zero at 0 Kelvins (−273°C), and damaging precious artifacts that might a means of transmitting and receiving has been determined to be 0.0082 square indicate original structure ― which could computational data. Nanotube cables Angstroms. The mean square vibrational be discovered at any unexpected moment. could also be used to reunite fracture faces amplitude is 0.0171 square Angstroms at Section 13.4 of K. Eric Drexler’s book created by cracking. Scanning and image −173°C and 0.0339 square Angstroms at Nanosystems provides diagrams and details processing capabilities would need to −73°C.17 of a nanorobot manipulator arm. Such a evaluate what needs to be fixed. Realistically, however, 3,400 years is “diamondoid” component would contain As much as possible I would favor much longer than cryonics patients are about four million atoms, and could be replacement rather than repair, which likely to be stored. Storage in liquid helium fitted with a variety of tools at the end would greatly simplify the process. It at −269°C or in a shadowed moon crater of the arm. A variety of tips with varying would be much easier to replace a kidney at −235°C18 would certainly be more degrees of chemical reactivity could than to repair the diseased kidney of trouble than it is worth. Northern wood allow for reversible, temporary chemical an elderly patient who died of kidney frogs spend months in a semi-frozen state bonds that could be used for grabbing disease. Curing disease and rejuvenation at −3°C to −6°C, and are able to revive and moving molecules. These could range would thus become part of the repair of a with full recovery of heartbeat upon from radicals or carbenes that would form cryonics patient. Of course, neuro patients re-warming.19 An empirical study of a strong covalent bonds, to boron that would require an entirely new body. The cryoprotectant very similar to M22 (VS55) can form relatively weak and reversible brain would be the major exception to showed viscosity continuing to increase bonds to nitrogen and oxygen, to simple replacement strategy because the brain exponentially below Tg, just as viscosity O-H groups that can form even weaker could not be replaced without loss of increases exponentially with temperature hydrogen bonds. Tools for digging need memory and personal identity. decrease above Tg.20 The exponential not be so refined. The manipulator arm is Even within the brain, however, it could decrease in viscosity (molecular mobility) depicted as being 100 nanometers long and be feasible to replace many components that makes ice nucleation cease at −135°C 50 nanometers wide, although nanorobots without loss of memory and personal indicates that there is probably little would need to be larger to include identity. It could be feasible to replace molecular mobility at −140°C, despite the capability for locomotion, computation, many organelles such as mitochondria, possibility of damage from ionic species or and power. A complete nanorobot could lysosomes, etc., and many macromolecules vibrational motion. All things considered, be as large as a few thousand nanometers such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. however, my personal preference is for in size. A capillary is between 5,000 to DNA could be repaired, and possibly storage in liquid nitrogen, rather than some 10,000 nanometers in diameter, so there even modified to cure genetic disease, intermediate temperature above −196°C. I should be plenty of room for many such but epigenetic expression in neurons may would also prefer for cryogenic nanorobot nanorobots to operate. Ralph Merkle be critical for reconstruction of synaptic repair to be at liquid nitrogen temperature. estimates that 3,200 trillion nanorobots structure. Synaptic connections would I am by no means a nanotechnology weighing a total of 53 grams could repair not only be restored, but the quantity expert, but I can give a brief description a cryonics patient in about 3 years.21,22 Like and quality of neurotransmitter contents of my own views of how cryogenic many of the calculations associated with should be restored. It is not simply a matter nanotechnology repair of a cryonics nanotechnology, I take these figures with a that some neurotransmitters are inhibitory patient would proceed. I must thank Ralph pound of salt. It is certainly true, however, and others are stimulatory. There are more Merkle for his assistance in allowing me to that it could take years to repair a patient, than 40 different neurotransmitters used in consult with him to formulate and clarify and that there should not be a rush to the brain, and there must be a good reason many of my views. finish the job. why such variety is necessitated. I believe that repair of cryonics patients Merkle & Freitas have suggested that Part of the repair process could involve at cryogenic temperature would be a nanorobots be powered by electrostatic removal of ice nuclei, nearly all of which combination of nano-mining and nano- motors. Stators and rotors would be electric would be extracellular. Re-created blood archeology. Nanorobots (nanometer-sized rather than magnetic. Tiny moving charged vessel contents would include fresh robots) would first clear blood vessels of plates are easier to fabricate than tiny coils cryoprotectant, water, plasma, and blood water, cryoprotectant, plasma, blood cells, and tiny iron cores, but more fundamentally, cells without the original ice nuclei. Although etc. The blood vessels would become magnetic properties do not scale well with some repair scenarios favor different types mining shafts that would provide access to reduced size (i.e., molecular-scale magnetic of repair above cryogenic temperature, I all body tissues. Nanometer-sized conveyor motors don’t work), whereas electrostatic doubt that this is necessary or desirable. belts or trucks on rails could remove properties do scale well with reduced size. Alternative repair scenarios involve blood vessel contents. Where freezing Electrostatic actuators are already being splitting the brain in half, and halving

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 15 the halves repeatedly at cryogenic website BENBEST.COM. (suspended animation). temperature—with digitization at each Although other repair scenarios What is needed to create the step—until the brain has been totally could prove to be feasible, I believe nanotechnology required for repair of digitized.21,22 Or digitization could be that cryogenic nanotechnology will be cryonics patients? Small machines will done by repetitive nano-microtomes at required for all cryonics patients in the need to build parts for smaller machines, cryogenic temperature. The digital data foreseeable future until the problem of which would in turn build even smaller could be used for full reconstruction. Some cryoprotectant toxicity can be solved. machines. Many details of machine people might object that if one individual With effective nontoxic cryoprotectants, operation must be perfected at each stage. could be creased from digital data, many sufficient cryoprotectant could be used Current modern technological civilization such individuals could be created—raising to prevent ice nuclei formation at all began with cave people pounding on rocks. questions of which are duplicates and temperatures, prevent devitrification Ralph Merkle has said that compared to which is the original. There is detailed (freezing) upon rewarming, and eliminate future technology, current technology is discussion of the duplicates problem/ all toxic damage. In such a case, there pounding on rocks.  paradox in the philosophy section of my could be true reversible cryopreservation

References 9. Mizunoa F, Belieresa J.-P, Kuwatab of vitrification. Cryobiology. 2010 N, Pradelb A, Ribesb M, Angell CA. Feb;60(1):11-22. 1. Chi AH, Clayton K, Burrow TJ, Lewis R, Highly decoupled ionic and protonic Luciano D, Alexis F, D’hers S, Elman NM. solid electrolyte systems, in relation to 17. Leadbetter AJ; The Thermodynamic Intelligent drug-delivery devices based on other relaxing systems and their energy and Vibrational Properties of H$_2$O Ice micro- and nano-technologies. Ther Deliv. landscapes. 2006 Nov;352(42/49):5147- and D$_2$O Ice. 1965 Sep;A287:403-425. 2013 Jan;4(1):77-94. 5155. 18. Paige DA, Siegler MA, Zhang JA, 2. Kudernac T, Ruangsupapichat N, 10. Mazur P. Freezing of living cells: Hayne PO, Foote EJ, Bennett KA, Parschau M, Maciá B, Katsonis N, mechanisms and implications. Am J Vasavada AR, Greenhagen BT, Schofield Harutyunyan SR, Ernst KH, Feringa BL. Physiol. 1984 Sep;247(3 Pt 1):C125-42. JT, McCleese DJ, Foote MC, DeJong E, Electrically driven directional motion of a Bills BG, Hartford W, Murray BC, Allen four-wheeled molecule on a metal surface. 11. Glenister PH, Whittingham DG, CC, Snook K, Soderblom LA, Calcutt S, Nature. 2011 Nov 9;479(7372):208-11. Lyon MF. Further studies on the effect Taylor FW, Bowles NE, Bandfield JL, of radiation during the storage of frozen Elphic R, Ghent R, Glotch TD, Wyatt 3. Zhang J, Lang HP, Yoshikawa G, 8-cell mouse embryos at -196 degrees C. J MB, Lucey PG. Diviner Lunar Radiometer Gerber C. Optimization of DNA Reprod Fertil. 1984 Jan;70(1):229-34. observations of cold traps in the Moon’s hybridization efficiency by pH-driven south polar region. Science. 2010 Oct nanomechanical bending. Langmuir. 2012 12. Weik M, Ravelli RB, Silman I, 22;330(6003):479-82. Apr 17;28(15):6494-501. Sussman JL, Gros P, Kroon J. Specific protein dynamics near the solvent glass 19. Costanzo JP, Lee RE Jr, DeVries AL, 4. Fahy GM, Saur J, Williams RJ. Physical transition assayed by radiation-induced Wang T, Layne JR Jr. Survival mechanisms problems with the vitrification of large structural changes. Protein Sci. 2001 of vertebrate ectotherms at subfreezing biological systems. Cryobiology. 1990 Oct;10(10):1953-61. temperatures: applications in cryomedicine. Oct;27(5):492-510. FASEB J. 1995 Mar;9(5):351-8. 13. Meents A, Gutmann S, Wagner A, 5. Best B. The Cryonics Institute’s 95th Schulze-Briese C. Origin and temperature 20. Noday DA, Steif PS, Rabin Y. Patient. Long Life. 2009 Sept-Oct; 41(9- dependence of radiation damage Viscosity of cryoprotective agents near 10):17-21. in biological samples at cryogenic glass transition: a new device, technique, temperatures. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. and data on DMSO, DP6, and VS55. Exp 6. Wowk B. Systems for Intermediate 2010 Jan 19;107(3):1094-9. Mech. 2009 Oct;49(5):663-672. Temperature Storage for Fracture Reduction and Avoidance. 2011 Third 14. Chinte U, Shah B, Chen YS, Pinkerton 21. Merkle, RC. The Molecular Repair of Quarter;32(3):7-12. AA, Schall CA, Hanson BL. Cryogenic the Brain. Cryonics. 1994 Jan;15(1):16-31. (<20 K) helium cooling mitigates radiation 7. Okamoto M, Nakagata N, Toyoda Y. damage to protein crystals. Acta Crystallogr 22. Merkle, RC. The Molecular Repair of Cryopreservation and transport of mouse D Biol Crystallogr. 2007 Apr;63(Pt 4):486- the Brain. Cryonics. 1994 Apr;15(2):18-30. spermatozoa at -79 degrees C. Exp Anim. 92. 2001 Jan;50(1):83-6. 23. Fennimore AM, Yuzvinsky TD, 15. Walters C, Wheeler L, Stanwood PC. Han WQ, Fuhrer MS, Cumings J, 8. Angell CA. Entropy and Fragility in Longevity of cryogenically stored seeds. Zettl A. Rotational actuators based on Supercooling Liquids. Journal of Research Cryobiology. 2004 Jun;48(3):229-44. carbon nanotubes. Nature. 2003 Jul of the National Institute of Standards 24;424(6947):408-10. and Technology. 1997 March-April; 16. Wowk B. Thermodynamic aspects 102(2):171-185.

16 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org Preserving Minds, Saving Lives: 35 Years of the Best Cryonics Writing of The Alcor Life Extension Foundation Available for Pre-Order NOW!

Featuring stimulating articles from the pages of CRYONICS Magazine by Steven Harris, Hugh Hixon, Saul Kent, Mike Darwin, Stephen Bridge, Thomas Donaldson, Aschwin de Wolf, Brian Wowk, Michael Perry, Ralph Merkle, and many others.

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Why We are Cryonicists Notes on the First Human Freezing Dear Dr. Bedford How Cryoprotectants Work How Cold is Cold Enough? The Death of Death in Cryonics The Society for The Recovery of Persons Apparently Dead Frozen Souls: Can A Religious Person Choose Cryonics? But What Will the Neighbors Think?! Systems for Intermediate Temperature Storage for Fracture Reduction and Avoidance

You can’t really understand cryonics today unless you can appreciate how we got here. The philosophy, the history, the science and technology, the debates, the PEOPLE of cryonics—it’s all here in one indispensable volume. The book will be published in mid-2013.

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IN PERPETUITY

We Shall Overcome: Legal Approaches Toward Cryonics Patient Personhood By Keegan Macintosh

he current medico-legal definition physical interferences is still of paramount way that corporate (artificial) personhood of death creates numerous obstacles importance to the overall endeavor. could enhance the protection of cryonics Tto the successful resuscitation However, while we take these abilities for patients and/or their assets. and reintegration of cryonics patients: granted as being features of our present our ability to be cryopreserved under personhood, not all persons have always Slaves optimal conditions is restricted in the first enjoyed these, and not all beings who are In 1772, the English case of Somersett place, and once cryopreserved, we are no currently persons were always so. There are v Stewart set an important precedent in longer legal persons, so we are only weakly also beings that are not persons that some the global abolition movement. Three protected from undesired interferences and argue should be, and some non-beings that years prior to the case, a customs officer we cannot continue holding property that are persons, that some argue should not be named Charles Stewart had brought a slave we would like to have post-resuscitation. (corporations, and other “legal” persons). purchased in America back to England with That said, the cryonics community is not Generally speaking, there has been an him. The slave, James Somersett, escaped in the first to desire enhanced legal status and expansion of personhood to include 1771, but was recaptured and imprisoned by protection for its members. In this article, I more beings in recent centuries, and also Stewart, whereupon three people claiming will survey some instances of legal activism an increase in the protections afforded to be Somersett’s godparents by baptism in historical and contemporary personhood those beings (at least on paper). Some of in England applied for his release on the movements, evaluating their success and these advancements have come about as grounds that there was no lawful reason applicability to the cryonics movement. a result of legal activism, i.e. members of for his imprisonment. However, far from the excluded or under-protected groups (or being based on humanitarian principles, Why personhood? their advocates) petitioning courts either the arguments put forward on Somersett’s Personhood is important to cryonics to recognize novel classes within existing behalf simply relied on the absence of because it is important to us right now, definitions, or make principled alterations any statutory or common law in England though we probably take the status for to historical criteria for membership. recognizing slavery (serfdom having been granted. Though it is not necessarily true Other gains have been made through abolished over 600 years prior). Since the to say all persons enjoy equal protection political activism, but this article will focus common law of contract could not bind under the law, by default the level of primarily on the role of legal activism in a person absent their consent, Somersett’s protection (that is to say, the rules on the expansion or attempted expansion imprisonment was unlawful, it was argued. others not to interfere) of persons is of personhood to particular groups Lord Mansfield of the Court of much higher. Furthermore, personhood (slaves, women, fetuses and animals) and King’s Bench agreed with this argument, is what gives us access to the legal system, enhancements of protections afforded proclaiming that “the state of slavery is of and with it the ability to enter enforceable certain subgroups. The second part of such a nature, that it is incapable of now contracts with other people, own property this article will consider whether anything being introduced by Courts of Justice upon and exclude others from the use of it. For can be learned from these historical and mere reasoning or inferences from any cryonics asset preservation, this last feature contemporary movements, and look at principles, natural or political; it must take is probably the most important, though opportunities for legal activism in cryonics. its rise from positive law.” Lord Mansfield protection of the patient from undesired A follow-up article will look at a novel held that the legal status of an alleged slave

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 19 depended not on the law of the state where The U.S. abolition movement did not are, or would be, necessary and sufficient to he or she originated, but on the law of reach its boiling point until 80 years later, a finding of personhood, even though such the jurisdiction of the legal action, in this with the case of Dred Scott v Sandford, a finding was a necessary prerequisite to the case England. Thus, while the institution (1857). Mr. Scott sued for his freedom disposition of each case. of slavery was alive and well in America, on grounds that he and his master had Ultimately, it took a constitutional a slave was free to withdraw from the resided for a time in a state where slavery amendment subsequent to the American service of his former master upon arrival had been banned, but the Supreme Court Civil War to elevate the status of American in England. of the United States held that as a person slaves to persons and citizens. However, of African ancestry, Scott was not a citizen in stating that “[a]ll persons born or of the United States and had no right to naturalized in the United States, and subject sue in federal court (notwithstanding the to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of “Generally speaking, there has fact that free blacks in some states did the United States and of the State wherein been an expansion of enjoy the rights of citizens of those states). they reside,” the Fourteenth Amendment According to Chief Justice Taney, the does not actually accord slaves freed under personhood to include more drafters of the U.S. Constitution viewed the Thirteenth Amendment the status beings in recent centuries, and all blacks as “beings of an inferior order, of personhood—like Lord Mansfield in and altogether unfit to associate with the Somersett v Stewart, their personhood is also an increase in the protections white race, either in social or political simply presumed. afforded those beings...” relations, and so far inferior that they had no rights which white man was bound to Women respect.” Unsurprisingly, the Chief Justice Of course, neither personhood nor is not taking personal responsibility for the citizenship guarantee equal protections The result is pleasing enough, but morality of this position, merely declaring and participation in public life. Women, unfortunately for our purposes the decision it to be the intent behind the law he is for instance, were recognized as citizens avoids the hard moral, philosophical, bound to apply. of the United States falling within the and most of all legal question of what Now technically, the jurisdictional issue meaning of the 14th Amendment in Minor makes a person; rather, it presumes that in Dred Scott turned on the question of v Happersett (1875), which as we’ll recall in the absence of a law declaring him to citizenship, not personhood, as this was the requires an implicit finding of personhood, be anything else, Somersett was a person language of the relevant section; however, but the decision in that case held the right and not property. The arguments based in obiter dicta, Chief Justice Taney also to vote was not one of the “privileges on contract law relied on this—after all, held that the Fifth Amendment prevented or immunities of citizens of the United property cannot enter into contracts in the any law from depriving a slaveholder of States” when the Fourteenth Amendment first place. No reasoning was put forward his property, such as his slaves, upon the was adopted (1868). Indeed, at the time the by the plaintiffs, nor considered by the incidence of migration into free territory. 14th Amendment was adopted, in many court, as to what qualities distinguish a It is implicit to this holding that slaves were places women actually lost legal rights person from property, either in the abstract no more persons than they were citizens. under local marriage laws—among those or in the specific context of an American The essential reasoning of Dred Scott the capacity to own property. And once slave of African descent. was: (1) the being talking to us needs to more, a constitutional amendment—a Not long after Somersett’s case, the be a citizen for us to listen; (2) a citizen is political achievement as opposed to a legal United States did enact positive law what the people who chose that word when one—was required to enhance the status of recognizing slavery, in Article Four of the drafting the statute would have meant by women to equal footing with men on the United States Constitution: “No person citizen; (3) historical analysis reveals the issue of voting (19th Amendment, 1920). held to service or labour in one state, under drafters would not have considered you a However, the question of women’s the laws thereof, escaping into another, citizen because you are a Negro descended personhood was directly considered in the shall, in consequence of any law or from a slave; therefore (4) you are not a Canadian case of Edwards v Canada (AG) regulation therein, be discharged from such citizen. The English decision, on the other (1929), aka the “Persons case.” At issue service or labour, but shall be delivered hand, simply presumed Somersett to be a there was whether the phrase “qualified up on claim of the party to whom such person in the absence of any positive law Persons” in Section 24 of the British service or labour may be due.” This law making another status possible, without North America Act (the precursor title was essentially an answer to the decision in explaining why (this may not be that of Canada’s Constitution), in reference Somersett’s case (which, while not binding surprising, however, since there were, at the to senate appointments, included women. on the States, was still an open question time, free blacks in England). Both courts The Supreme Court of Canada found that there), as between the slave states and the let slip the opportunity to expound upon based on (i) the usage of the word “He” in free states. the qualities of the being before them that the nearby section detailing the necessary

20 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org qualifications, (ii) the historical intentions either. But then, instead of addressing the being at any stage of development must which could be imputed to the drafters issue head on, Justice Blackmun wavers, be recognized and protected.” Reactions of the of the Act, and (iii) the common saying “[w]e need not resolve the difficult to this have included concerns that such a law incapacity of women to exercise question of when life begins. When those drastic redefinition would effectively outlaw public functions at the time, women were trained in the respective disciplines of not only abortions in all circumstances, excluded from Section 24. medicine, philosophy and theology are but many reproductive technologies that Luckily, the Supreme Court of Canada unable to arrive at any consensus, the involve production, storage, and disposal was not the final say in the matter at that judiciary, at this point in the development of excess embryos. It remains to be seen time, and the case was appealed to the of man’s knowledge, is not in a position whether this amendment will survive a Judicial Committee of the Privy Council to speculate.” Nevertheless, it is apparent challenge founded on the U.S. Constitution in England. Overturning the decision, he is tempted at the prospect, responding and Roe v Wade. Nevertheless, political Viscount Sankey ruled that “[t]he British to the conception theory of the beginning activism appears a more viable option for North America Act planted in Canada of life (and personhood) by pointing to the activism than legal challenges. living tree capable of growth and expansion problems with this view caused “by new within its natural limits... Their Lordships embryological data that purport to indicate to do not conceive it to be the duty of this that conception is a ‘process’ over time, “Because courts have been so Board... to cut down the provisions of the rather than an event, and by new medical reluctant to comment on what Act by a narrow and technical construction, techniques such as menstrual extraction, but rather to give it a large and liberal the ‘morning-after’ pill, implantation of qualities make a person, interpretation….” But once again, the embryos, artificial insemination, and even it is not easy to say what kind of Privy Council’s decision on the definitional artificial wombs.” So this court is not matter at issue doesn’t actually consider averse to scientific evidence suggesting evidence would need to be whether women are in fact persons, and the question is not as black and white as brought in order to carve out a why, but rather whether the term “person” alive-person vs. non-alive-non-person, in that context impliedly excludes “female but it only applies that evidence one way, similar intermediate category for persons.” Instead of being about what to prop up its “legal” conclusion that cryonics patients.” makes a person, the debate turns on what personhood has always begun at birth. The kinds of persons the drafters meant by same process-not-event reasoning could “persons.” It assumes that women can just as easily be applied on the other end, Non-human Animals be persons, either if those responsible i.e. in the days shortly before birth, against Of course, while fetuses’ presence at the for drafting the document giving persons the argument that life and personhood blurry category boundary between non-life certain capacities meant to include female begin at birth—especially since birth can and life has obvious analogical relevance to persons, or, in the Privy Council’s opinion, occur prematurely both naturally and as a cryonics patients, it is not a perfect model by default unless exclusion is explicit. This result of artificial inducement. But Justice because it involves a presently unavoidable is still a textualist interpretation, just a Blackmun prefers his concept of the contest between the fundamental rights of progressive one as opposed to originalist. “potentiality of human life,” in which the two beings, the mother’s and the fetus’s But it most certainly isn’t semantic—that State’s interest matures to the “compelling” (that is, if rights are imputed to fetuses at would require an examination of what threshold upon viability of the fetus. all). The question of non-human animal qualities define personhood. So, despite not meeting the definition of personhood does not pose this same personhood (however arbitrarily derived), issue, and there have been a number of Fetuses an intermediate category is carved out for interesting developments regarding the Perhaps we need to go looking for a case the fetus and granted some protection. legal protection of these beings. However, that forces the “qualities” of personhood (Note also that there is a long history, despite how these are usually reported, into determination. In the landmark emanating from English law, that a fetus none have granted “rights” to any animals, abortion/fetal rights case of Roe v Wade can have a defendable interest in property nor conferred upon them the personhood (1973), the respondent argued that a fetus that is contingent upon its being born.) they would require in order to have rights, was a person within the meaning of the In the decades since Roe v Wade, a in the legal sense. Rather, of the numerous Fourteenth Amendment, guaranteeing number of attempts to enact “personhood reports of non-human animals being its right to life. In its decision, the U.S. amendments” at the state constitution granted rights, what has in fact occurred Supreme Court noted that the Constitution level have mostly failed to gain traction. includes: (i) constitutional recognition does not define “person,” and found that However, in March 2012, the North of the “dignity” of animals, which need there was no intra-textual support for Dakota House of Representatives passed be considered by the state in regulating a pre-natal interpretation, nor any legal an amendment to its constitution that “the research activities (Switzerland, 1992), (ii) precedent to support this interpretation inalienable right to life of every human somewhat vague imperatives to protect

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 21 animals by legislation (Germany, 2002), and a nonhuman animal, the answer is, ‘Impossible.’ comment on what qualities make a person, (iii) expanded protections of some classes The goal of the interdisciplinary Nonhuman it is not easy to say what kind of evidence of animals, like the great apes, preventing Rights Project is to change this paradigm. It would need to be brought in order to carve their use in research or testing (New intends to demand that American state high courts out a similar intermediate category for Zealand, 1999). declare that a nonhuman animal has the capacity cryonics patients. I would hazard a guess Attempts at legal activism towards to possess at least one legal right, to declare that that the “potentiality of life” would need non-human animal personhood have she is a... legal person. Once a court recognizes her to be known, and I think this goes further been less successful. In Citizens to End capacity, the next legal question is... which legal than retrieving organized electrical activity Animal Suffering and Exploitation v rights she should possess, an appropriate shift from from cryopreserved brains. I think whole The New England Aquarium (1993), the the irrational, biased, hyper-formalistic, and overly animals would need to be resuscitated Massachusetts district court held that Kama simplistic question, ‘What species is the plaintiff?’ from cryopreservation—with return of the dolphin lacks standing to maintain to the rational, nuanced, value-laden question, cognition and “personality.” Then legal an action under the Marine Mammal ‘Does the plaintiff possess the qualities relevant to arguments could be made that humans Protection Act, as the Act only authorizes whether she should be entitled to the legal rights she cryopreserved with the same process (or suits brought by persons. As we should be claims?’ ” close), who are not yet being resuscitated coming to expect by this point, the decision because the procedure needs to be refined simply accepts as a foregone conclusion Whether one supports this objective or before it would be ethical to attempt on that animals are not persons without asking not, the approach is certainly admirable, humans, contained the same “potential” for why. Similarly, in Cetacean Community v and the relevance of the project, and life, and should receive some heightened Bush (2004), the Ninth Circuit Court held other personhood initiatives to the issue protection from interferences. The capacity that “the Cetaceans do not have statutory of cryonics patient personhood cannot be to have contingent interests in property standing to sue,” as they are not persons— denied. might also be obtainable at this point. no deeper questions asked. Otherwise, as we see from history, Nevertheless, the will behind these suits Preliminary Conclusion political activism remains an option. And is strong. An organization called GRASP In the slave cases we see courts avoiding the cryonics patients do have the advantage (Great Ape Standing & Personhood), hosts question of what makes a person, deferring of being able to speak out for themselves a model legal brief on its website titled to legal precedent, historical context and prior to becoming voiceless patients. “From Property to Person—The Case of textual analysis; we see the same in the What we lack, currently, is numbers, both Evelyn Hart,” however, the organization women cases, the fetus cases, and the in actual membership and also moral is not very active, and the brief itself has animal cases. Even though on occasion supporters. Hopefully that will change not been used. Much more impressive is the decisions flow with the progressive as time goes on, but in the interim there the Nonhuman Rights Project (NHRP), expansion of personhood instead of are still opportunities for legal activism headed by Steven M. Wise. The NHRP against it, there is definitely a resisting and innovation that would increase the is working to identify American state inertia, especially in the cases where the protection of cryonics patients, both jurisdictions that may be most receptive to claimants cannot speak for themselves before and after cryopreservation, as well animal personhood arguments, and which (fetuses, non-human animals). Generally, as the protection of their assets. Attempts have retained the old, common law causes it appears that political activism reaps the by governments to regulate cryonics of action used by human slaves and their greater gains, especially, of course, where represent possible opportunities to bring advocates to challenge their “unfreedom,” the status quo is entrenched in statutory constitutional challenges on the basis of namely the writs of habeas corpus, and law as opposed to common law, as it was in cryonicists’ liberty and freedom of belief. de homine replegiando. Wise sums the the status of slaves in the U.S. Corporate personhood may also present objective and strategy up thusly: In light of this, it seems that achieving a bootstrap solution to some of the reclassification of cryonics patients to problems caused by cryonics patients’ loss “James Somerset’s legal transubstantiation from persons through the courts would be of personhood, which I will address in a thing to person at the hands of Lord Mansfield in somewhat unlikely at this juncture—not future article.  1772 marked the beginning of the end of human that anyone is seriously advocating for slavery. Persuading an American state high court it right now. However, looking at the all- to similarly transform a nonhuman animal is important fetal rights case, Roe v. Wade, a primary objective of the Nonhuman Rights we do see some willingness to consider Keegan Macintosh is Research Fellow Project…. A court confronted with a plaintiff’s scientific data that threatens previously for the Lifespan Society of British claim to possess any legal right need only determine binary legal concepts of life and death, and Columbia, where he is working the plaintiff’s species. If the plaintiff is human, also to carve out intermediate categories to address issues of access to life the answer is, ‘It is possible that the plaintiff therein which receive enhanced protections. extension technologies. has the legal right she claims.’ If the plaintiff is Because courts have been so reluctant to [email protected]

22 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org Life, Our Asset Most Worthy of Preservation

By Daniel Witt

A Review of suzanne somers’ book “bombshell”

[The following is the text of a presentation given on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the Asset Preservation Group meeting in Portland, Oregon]

i, I’m Dan Witt. My wife Becky don’t discuss it much, but each time we and I have attended all but one meet, we are a little closer to having to Hof these asset preservation endure the second worst thing that can meetings. Through most of the meetings happen to us—cryonic suspension. we sit quietly and learn from the speakers Becky and I joined Alcor after my sister who come from quite diverse backgrounds. showed us an article about them in 1985. They are usually quite accomplished and The next day I called Alcor and asked have covered a myriad of topics, most of them to send us the paperwork. There which were concerned about preserving was no debate or soul searching. It was and even growing our estates during our the only show in town. As a consulting expected long period of inactivity but actuary I figured the odds against it have also touched on progress being made working were about 20,000-1 (now I in suspension procedures and portable figure the odds at about 10-1) but it was vital signs monitoring. certainly better than the alternative. I can Lately, there seems to be more interest in never understand people who can afford the actual revival of suspended individuals suspension hesitating for a second. But and their reintegration into society. that’s just me. Incidentally, my sister never All of these topics are noteworthy, their signed up-or even considered it. discussion is necessary and advancement As a person intrigued by numbers reminders of my approaching demise. In in them remains imperative. I have noticed, almost since birth, I’ve always been well 1962 my father died of a heart attack at 57. however, that each time I attend one of aware of the limited human lifespan. He died five weeks before my 48-year-old these events we all have an additional When I was about 5, I remember picturing mother, who he was worrying about dying wrinkle or two, a little more grey hair, the dates of birth and death on each of of cancer. Then all of my uncles started walk a little slower and generally, ever so my family’s gravestones. I figured for me, dying of heart attacks and my aunts of gradually, appear to be wearing out. We my epitaph would be something like: R. cancer. No one made it to 60. All of my Daniel Witt, 3rd baseman, (1942-2020). grandparents died before I was born. The This has always been a burden for me. picture was bleak. When a doctor asked At age 25 I would say “well, it’s a third me if osteoporosis ran in my family I said “The book that seems to best over” to anyone who would listen. At age “I don’t know. No one’s ever gotten old summarize a comprehensive 40 I wailed, “it’s half over” and so on. enough to get it.” After a while everyone got very tired of I’m a proactive kind of guy, so as a teen program of retarding, my play by play reporting of the gradual I began following a healthy lifestyle of the stopping and even reversing expiration of my life. That’s why I grabbed right diet, plenty of regimented exercise, for Alcor as the first chance I had, albeit good sleeping habits, vitamin and dietary aging is called ‘Bombshell.’” remote, to take control of my lifespan. supplements, the cultivation of good Along the way I’ve had a number of friends and above all a fabulous spouse.

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 23 I’ve beaten the odds, so far, by celebrating Aging Looks Like Now – And In The the enzyme telomerase which appears to my 70th birthday and have found that while Future, the second section (Chapters have the potential to rejuvenate human all of my contemporaries lately have shrunk 5-16) is devoted to: —Explosive Medical cells and keep them from dying of old age. noticeably, I have not. I can only attribute Information to Help You Reverse Age In Chapter 11 she interviews Dr. Russell that to my taking NGH growth hormone and the third section (Chapters 17-18) Blaylock, a well-known neurosurgeon, for the last 15 years. summarizes it all in: —Putting It All who discusses how chemicals in our Together. environment and our diet are killing our More specifically, Chapter 1 urges us to brains and what we can do about them. “This book offers us the first make a plan to get us to our desired goals as Chapter 12 features Dr. Garry Gordon, the real opportunity I have come they relate to the aging process. Chapter 2 author of The Chelation Answer, who talks lists the things that cause us to age. Chapter about the natural effective alternative to across to control our own 3 explores what the future will look like and bypass surgery. Chapter 13 has an interview lifespans since Alcor gave me features Ray Kurzweil discussing among with Dr. Dipnarine Maharaj, the founder other things, the prospect of nanobots of the South Florida Bone Marrow/Stem that shred of hope in 1985.” repairing our cells from within. Chapter 4 Cell Transplant Institute, who talks about introduces us to a new kind of doctor, an how stem cell treatment may soon eradicate anti-aging specialist, Dr. Michael Galitzer cancer. This is all positive but going back to my from Santa Monica. Galitzer discusses Chapter 14 starts with a quote from our initial observation—that we are all aging balancing hormones, how to strengthen Dave Kekich and Suzanne then goes on (maybe some of us a little slower than our weakest organs and glands, how to to discuss a skin patch she currently uses others)—and that unless we do something strengthen the body to fight disease and and other patches which are available, that now to slow, stop or even reverse it, we or how to detoxify the body on an ongoing when worn, may slow down aging, with one of our loved ones will in the not too basis from the constant onslaught of toxins. supplier David Schmidt. Mr. Schmidt has a distant future be making that call to our In Chapter 5, Suzanne recounts her background in biology and is something of cryonics organization or, worse yet, to the bout 11 years ago with breast cancer and an inventor who has developed technologies cemetery or crematorium. how she pioneered the process, in this in a number of varied industries. In In 2004 my wife alerted me to a diet country, of regrowing her lost breast using Chapter 15, she explores the “switching being promoted by Suzanne Somers, the her own stem cells. Chapter 6 features an off ” of cancer cells with Drs. Stanislaw blond from TV fame. It was supposed to interview with our own Bill Faloon who Burzynski and Nicholas Gonzalez. Chapter help with my cardiac panel indicator ratios reviews how we can avoid catastrophic 16’s interview is with Dr. William Rea, a and to help me lose the belly that was events like a heart attack through ingestion specialist in environmental health who suddenly enhancing my mid-section. My of appropriate supplements. Chapter talks about how you can keep the toxic first reaction was “what does a dizzy blond 7 explores with Harvard professor, Dr. environment we live in from killing you. know about science?” Well apparently quite Abraham Morgentaler, testosterone In Chapter 17, Suzanne talks about how a lot. We have been on her diet for nearly supplementation as a youth giving, bone- each individual can develop his or her 10 years now. It is simple and it works building, non-cancer causing substance unique age reversal plan and in addition brilliantly. that gives men their maleness. For women, supplies us with 18 age reversing ideas In addition, she has written 23 books, in Chapter 8, Suzanne discusses hormone to consider. Chapter 18 is devoted to a number of which delve into all areas of replacement and nutritional interventions advanced age reversal, enumerating 18 anti-aging. Since she had credibility with us to make them feel youthful, smart, and aging factors, followed by the methods of through her diet, we started reading those sexy with gynecologist Prudence Hall, dealing with each. which appear to most impact us today, as M.D., of Santa Monica. Chapter 9 features This book offers us the first real there is little time to lose. an interview with Dr. Jonathan Wright opportunity I have come across to control The book that seems to best summarize of Tahoma, Washington, known as the our own lifespans since Alcor gave me that a comprehensive program of retarding, father of bioidentical hormone treatment, shred of hope in 1985. And, as with Alcor, I stopping and even reversing aging is called who believes that the cells in the body can am wasting no time incorporating all facets Bombshell. It has a sexy picture of Suzanne actually be rejuvenated to, in essence, restart I can of her anti-aging regimen into our on the cover, which I feel she must feel she themselves again. This is reverse aging at regular lifestyle. Our diet currently doesn’t still has to do to gain attention, but what its best. Organs and glands rejuvenated to need too much modification. Our exercise is inside is remarkable as to its content youthful levels. and sleep patterns are pretty good. What and even more so as it is put together by Chapter 10 explores how the supplement we did do just this past week is contact a someone with no formal scientific training. TA-65, currently being marketed by Noel physician, who specializes in anti-aging, The book has 3 main sections. The first Patton, a businessman with a background from the list found on one of the websites section (Chapters 1-4) covers: —What in telomere biology, provides for us today referred to in Bombshell.

24 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org The physician is Dr. Harvey Bartnof in energy on living in health, for so long which I have had interest, to help me with San Francisco. There are a number of like- that we will never need suspension. a goal that I had set. Today I stand before minded physicians in California, thousands So as I stated in my initial comments, a group with far more scientific knowledge all across the country for that matter. That since we’ve become a part of this group, as than I have. To possibly interest you in is quite striking, as Suzanne states that planned, Becky and I have spent meaningful the topic of anti-aging, Becky and I are when she wrote her first anti-aging book hours planning for our assets to be there providing a copy of the Suzanne Somers only 6 years ago, she could list only 11. when we will ultimately need them and book, Bombshell, for each of you. Dr. Bartnof called Becky and me the day have followed the progress of our cryonics Becky and I have embarked on this after we first contacted his office and spent organizations in their quest to suspend us unknown journey. We feel we would do 1½ hours on the phone with us gathering as intact as possible. During this period we far better on this journey if accompanied information, with no obligation to use his have worked with Peggy Hoyt to develop a by as many like-minded, bright, interesting services. comprehensive trust with a succession of associates as possible. If this sounds trustees, a long term plan for their place reasonable to you, read the book, read her in the preservation of our assets and their other books, research all facets of anti- “A growing number of use to ensure our prompt revival when it aging and let us know anything you know becomes feasible. In addition, Alcor now or discover in this area of which we may highly-respected physicians now has its own trust into which we will begin not be aware. agree that it is quite possible placing some of our assets. I’m sure Suzanne Somers and the people On the best possible suspension front, it she has interviewed don’t have all the for us, as mature adults, seems that our biggest fear remains that if answers or even the best methods. It’s a fast to live to 130-150. “ we suffer a sudden heart attack or similar evolving field and who better than a group malady, out of the view of another human, of creative cryonicists can work together our cryonics organization will not be made to formulate a comprehensive, constantly We have since signed on to his program aware of our need for their services until it evolving plan to avoid the tin-can. Becky and each of us is scheduled for an 8 hour is far too late for an optimum suspension. and I would love to have you join us in our session on May 31st and June 1st , where My best guess is that all of us recognize quest for a long, long, long existence at 98.6 they will do a complete analysis of what we this problem and that some great minds are degrees Fahrenheit.  need in the area of bioidentical hormone working on a viable monitoring system. and enzyme replacement. Hopefully, So, at this point our assets are protected replacing what we have lost due to the as best as they can be. The big brains are “normal aging process,” will retard and perfecting cryonic suspension and revival. even reverse the aging of our bodies. We’re signed up with Alcor to be suspended He will also determine if we need if the worst happens. I’ll try to stay in the chelation to remove the toxins that we line of sight of someone in case I have my have acquired over the years from our heart attack. I exercise and take vitamins. environment. In addition, he will dispense But if I do nothing else, like the rest of the patches Suzanne describes in her book, you here, I’m aging myself right into the where necessary. Hopefully, he’ll act as our Alcor tin-can with decidedly uncertain reverse aging coordinator. We can’t wait to ultimate results. What else can I do? After get started. reading Suzanne’s book the answer seems Finally, last Tuesday I contacted a obvious. And that is to follow a completely physician I found on a website referred to new focus of medicine: age prevention. We in Bombshell, who specializes in banking our can now literally turn back the clock when own healthy stem cells. These stem cells will it comes to the condition of our bodies. then always be there for us when needed to A growing number of highly respected repair or replace defective body parts. physicians now agree that it is quite possible Why am I going through all of this today for us, as mature adults, to live to 130-150. you ask? Over the years I have recognized And if we can achieve that, by then science that while I may not be the smartest guy in will have undoubtedly produced the ability the room, I do have the ability to stand back for us to live far longer. Think of it. We and analyze the accepted beliefs and actions may never have to wind up in the tin-can of the majority and sometimes challenge after all!!!! them with an alternative viewpoint. In this Another thing I’ve always tried to do is case, I urge us to focus much of our enlist the help of experts in the areas in

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 25 COOLER MINDS PREVAIL

Reconstructive Connectomics By Chana de Wolf

“If we are acquainted with the principles upon which this mechanism [the brain] operates, we may infer its function from its structure, regarding the former as a natural outcome of the latter.” – Theodor Meynert, 1885

f you’ve been paying attention to the Connectome mapping can be carried Another application or goal of latest initiatives in neuroscience you out directly, by deploying anatomical connectomics can be to repair damage Ilikely have heard something about the techniques, or indirectly, by attempting to associated with cryopreservation with the “connectome.” You may be wondering infer connections between circuit elements intention of patient resuscitation. This what the connectome is and what all the based on their temporal dynamics or kind of “reconstructive connectomics” hubbub is about. This month’s article seeks functional responses. Besides increased (a phrase coined by Aschwin de Wolf to briefly define the connectome, describe general knowledge, the most obvious in Cryonics May 2013) would be a sub- the goals of connectomics, and make a application of connectomics data includes discipline of the field of connectomics that case for using what we learn (and what the treatment of disease, as in neurology studies the pathological changes of neural we already know) from connectomics to or fundamental neuroscience (i.e., to learn connections in the brain with the aim of in pursue meaningful cryonics resuscitation more about the role of connectional silico (i.e., computer-aided) repair. research today. disturbances in brain dysfunction and Reconstructive connectomics is the The connectome is a comprehensive disease). modern-day realization of what Thomas description of how neurons and brain Donaldson termed “neural archeology,” regions are interconnected. It is commonly a concept described in detail in his 1987 conceptualized as a sort of “wiring “Even if we do not have the article of the same name. In general diagram” of the brain. Connectomics, terms, Donaldson equates the task ahead then, is the branch of biotechnology biological or mechanical cell of cryonicists with that encountered by concerned with applying the techniques repair technologies that would traditional archeologists. Though space of image acquisition and analysis to the limits our ability to consider this prescient structural mapping of sets of neural be required for repair of the article in full, let us look at a most circuits, with organizing the results in brain at the molecular level, illuminating section: databases, and with applications of the “The first thing done in examining data. using techniques in connectomics an archeological site is to carefully plot Motivating modern research in this we can do things like simulate a the relation of all the fragments to one area is the hypothesis that mapping another. Debris has a structure too. We of anatomical circuits represents a specific kind of damage (e.g., ice discover this structure by looking at the fundamental step toward understanding formation, ischemia) and create relations of its parts to one another, not brain function and physiology. Until now, just by looking at the parts. (Archaeologists functional studies of cells and circuits have 3D neural wiring maps that can in Central America complain constantly largely been carried out in the absence of be compared to controls.” that valuable artifacts are taken away and detailed and specific information about sold, with no record of where they were the underlying connectivity. found, in relation to what.) If a protein has

26 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org must answer three important questions: (1) would be required for repair of the brain What needs to be repaired? (2) What repair at the molecular level, using techniques strategies can be utilized? and (3) What level in connectomics we can do things like of information resolution is sufficient? simulate a specific kind of damage (e.g., By characterizing the amount and type of ice formation, ischemia) and create 3D damage in detail and linking those forms neural wiring maps that can be compared of damage to contemporary or envisioned to controls. repair strategies, especially making use of Often this is not even necessary because information obtained from connectomics we understand the universal language of research, we can begin the process of biology and if we observe damage (e.g., a reconstructing the functional person from ruptured cell membrane), we know how the preserved brain, whatever state that it is supposed to look. In fact, using our brain may be in at the time of preservation. knowledge of what a brain should look Some people may believe that scanning like, and how they should function, can get of the patient’s damaged brain and in us surprisingly far. Observe, for instance, silico repair is sufficient for meaningful the following electron micrographs (EMs) resuscitation (i.e., mind uploading). I produced by my research company, recognize this point but remain agnostic. Advanced Neural Biosciences. (A) is an Let us work from the assumption that EM of normal, undamaged rat cortical repair will be on the biological brain with tissue (i.e., the “control” sample), while (B) Figure 1 Facial reconstruction provides the help of computer modeling. is an EM at the same magnification of rat a good example of inferring an original Even if we do not have the biological cortical tissue that has suffered 21 hours of structure from incomplete information. or mechanical cell repair technologies that warm ischemia. two degradation parts, we can learn a lot by knowing where these parts are found in the remains of a cell. In fact, one way of looking at cryonics is that it is simply a way of making such a detailed record. Here is a patient’s brain, in the condition it was when we lost him.” Indeed, many fields use reconstructive techniques—taking a limited amount of information from a system and extrapolating what is known about that system to “fill in the gaps” and reconstruct the original system state. For example, facial reconstruction is performed in forensics and archeology. Mathematical and scientific modeling is also used in genomics and bioinformatics. Inherent to Donaldson’s statement above is the fact that some amount of damage has been inflicted upon the brain of the cryonics patient. Indeed, while repair is not intrinsic to cryonics, most cryonics patients will require repair. However, one of the biggest myths in cryonics today is that not much of interest can currently be said about repair, let alone that repair efforts can begin now. I will argue otherwise. In the context of Figure 2 – A control cortical electron micrograph of the rat brain. resuscitating a cryopreserved patient, we

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 27 individual identity and memory is an assumption of mine; however, if other biochemical mechanisms are involved, similar reasoning can be applied. It is important to keep in mind that connectome data exists at multiple scales (micro vs. macro). Very little progress has been made to date in merging or cross- referencing of connectome data across scales—‑for example, relating connection data from networks at cellular resolution to large-scale projections and pathways. The development of multi-modal registration tools and connectivity-based data formats for diffusion and functional MRI provides a potential model for future integration efforts across scales. So what kind of resuscitation research can be undertaken NOW? To start, we can better characterize damage and changes to the brain incurred prior to and as a result of cryopreservation. We can then use computer modeling to reconstruct the original state in silico. Additionally, we can utilize the tools of synthetic biology to develop biological cell repair technologies.

Figure 3 – Cortical electron micrograph of the rat brain after 21 hours of warm ischemia. Structure and organelles can still be clearly identified. “...many fields use reconstructive techniques—taking a limited It is remarkable that in both the control whether we should expect any of them and the 21 hour sample myelin sheaths can to destroy (our ability to reconstruct) the amount of information from a be easily identified. If you look at these connectome. system and extrapolating what is images closely you will observe deformed/ I think not. ruptured organelles and evidence of Computational limitations currently known about that system to “fill disintegration in the 21 hour group, but constrain the scale and complexity at in the gaps” and reconstruct the for many structures: (a) we know how they which we can do these reconstructions, should look, and (b) memory and identity but it is not necessary to do reconstructive original system state.” are not encoded in individual organelles connectomics in a human-sized brain to such as mitochondria. There is substantial obtain a much greater understanding of the information still present in this damaged mechanisms of damage, the type of repair A specific project that is currently system to utilize in reconstructing the required, and the empirical content of being undertaken by Advanced Neural original state. concepts like information-theoretic death. Biosciences is to compare control (i.e., Much work has already been done in An open question is whether the undamaged) and straight-frozen neural characterizing damage in cryonics. In brief, connectome will provide sufficient tissue by modeling each state in 3D. By damage falls into the following categories: information to enable resuscitation assessing the degree and type of damage damage incurred prior to cryopreservation from cryopreservation. One could argue in a straight freeze scenario, we hope to (i.e., “pre-mortem damage”), cerebral that we may need to preserve detailed begin building the requisite knowledge ischemia, cryoprotectant toxicity, ice information at even higher resolution base for further, more rapid advances in formation, chilling injury, and dehydration. (e.g., the “synaptome,” ion channels, reconstructive connectomics. The question of utmost importance in microtubules, neurotransmitters, etc.). That Who knows? Even such “worst case considering these forms of damage is the connectome is sufficient to reconstruct scenarios” may not be as bad as we think. 

28 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org FOR THE RECORD

Cryonics in New York: Human Freezings and Other Events, 1968-1969 By R. Michael Perry

n earlier columns we have looked at the cryopreservation services according to the of handling a dead body. You couldn’t cryonics movement in New York prior needs of its members. CSNY’s members just pop up and say, ‘hey, we're a cryonics to any human freezings. (Back in those stayed healthy for a while, several years in society, somebody just died, now give us I 2 days vitrification as now practiced didn’t fact, but finally, in July 1968, a member was the body,’—they won't do that.” Letters exist and all cryopreservations were just down and it was time to act. were sent to funeral directors in the area “freezings” though there was a distinction Long before this a need for preparedness starting in mid-1966.3 There was almost no between straight freezing and the better had been recognized,1 as CSNY president response. “One man however, Fred Horn preservation achieved by initial body Curtis Henderson would later recall. “First at St. James, called us and he said he was washout and cryoprotective perfusion.) of all we realized that you had to have interested. We gave him what literature we During this time an organization was set up, the cooperation of a mortician, because had, and because he'd broken his leg skiing the Cryonics Society of New York, to offer you had to get into the licensing system he took the time to read it. That's literally the truth—he admitted it many times. He never would have read any of it if he hadn't been sitting there with his leg in a cast. But he became interested in it ….” When 24-year-old Steven Mandell arrested July 28, 1968, “he more or less put all of us on the spot: Now, this was it, either put up or shut up. … And of course from then on it ceased to be a discussion group.”4 Mandell had joined CSNY the previous November, after a year of subscribing to their newsletter, Cryonics Reports. He was then a student at New York University in the Bronx, majoring in aeronautical engineering. A science fiction story had sparked his interest. “Although financially limited at the moment,” he noted in his application, “I am fully committed to the cryonics movement and will contribute all I can to its progress and acceptance.” Reporting his health as “fair,” in fact he would soon succumb to Crohn’s disease or

3(4) (Apr. 1968); Cryonics Reports 4(2) (Feb. 1969). 1968); Cryonics Reports 4(2) (Feb. Cryonics Reports 3(4) (Apr. CREDIT: PHOTO regional enteritis, an inflammatory bowel “Cryonics Reports” covers. (1) Multiple images of end plate of disorder. Financially, matters seemed to be horizontal capsule, probably the one used to store Steven Mandell. (2) in order. A $10,000 insurance policy (about Cartoon by Vaughn Bodé relating to Paul Segall’s laboratory. $67,000 in 2013 dollars5) plus donations

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 29 ceased to exist. in their life span. Segall would go on to Segall and Waitz also other tryptophan-deprivation experiments were prominent in the as a post-doc under Paola Timiras at the Laboratory for Life University of California, Berkeley, which Extension Research did increase both mean and maximum (Segall as Director of lifespan in rats.)10 Biological Research and Waitz as Director of Engineering Research). Based in Segall’s garage in Lindenhurst, L. I., this laboratory had been founded the previous June by Segall himself under sponsorship of CSNY. Segall offered this explanation: “My main purpose in creating this laboratory is

to create an atmosphere Original emblem in author’s possession. CREDIT: PHOTO

PHOTO CREDIT: Steven Mandell: Alcor archives. Andrew Mihok: Binghamton, N.Y. Press (Nov. Press (Nov. Steven Mandell: Alcor archives. Andrew Mihok: Binghamton, N.Y. CREDIT: PHOTO and Washington M. Hurst, Sr.: 1970); Paul 21, 1968), Ann Deblasio: Immortality 5(4) 4 (Apr. 1916 yearbook, 57. Penn. Jefferson College, Washington, geared solely to research Cryonics Societies of America designed to extend the CSNY patients 1968-69, clockwise from lower left: Steven emblem by Vaughn Bodé. Mandell, Andrew Mihok, Ann DeBlasio, Paul M. Hurst Sr. human lifespan. As far as I know, there is no such laboratory or facility in In fact cryonics seemed to be guardedly from friends and relatives, “placed in a the world. There are several large-scale entering a new era of respectability, with special trust,” would “insure indefinite care programs of aging research, perhaps the New York playing a leading part. A few of the body.”6 largest is at the National Institutes of months before, at a meeting hosted by Otherwise at a basic level CSNY was Health in Bethesda, Maryland; but these CSNY just after the Cryonics Conference prepared. They had a cryogenic capsule programs are overly conservative in design at the New York Academy of Science, (featured in multiple exposures on the April and outlook.” the Cryonics Societies of America had issue of their newsletter. This is an “old Among the “many avenues of been tentatively formed, with the cryonics style,” horizontal capsule manufactured approach to control and reversal of the societies of New York, Michigan, and by Cryo Care Equipment Corporation aging process” Segall proposed “cryonic California as founding members. (Formal of Phoenix, Arizona. Only one such suspension, clonal reproduction, and incorporation would be completed the capsule was actually used by CSNY).7 manipulation of hormonal balance.” following year.) The CSA would call for And they had mortician Fred Horn, who Granted “we have been forced to start on basic accountability, submission of regular now took charge of legal formalities and an extremely modest scale with minimal progress reports, updated lists of officers also assisted in preparing the body for equipment, we do have the freedom to and directors, and valid addresses for its cryogenic cooling. This involved replacing pursue our goals without interference or member organizations.11 An important the blood with a solution of glycerol (20%) coercion.” The rather ambitious immediate feature of the CSA, announced in the in Ringer’s solution, using an embalming objectives were: (1) to prove that aging September 1968 Cryonics Reports along pump. The body then was cooled to dry ice can be halted in mice, with corresponding with Steven Mandell’s freezing, was a temperature. Encapsulation and storage in insight into aging more generally; (2) to Scientific Advisory Committee with an liquid nitrogen would follow on September achieve reversible suspended animation of impressive list of a dozen or so PhDs and 5, at Washington Memorial Park, a cemetery- mammals through cryopreservation; and MDs, including cryobiologist Armand based facility in Coram, L. I. (Encapsulation (3) to perfect cryonics storage technology, Karow Jr. and physicist Gerald Feinberg.12 was actually a difficult operation. Initially starting from the Cryo Care capsules. (In As might be expected, not all the inner chamber of the capsule where retrospect let it be said that while goals developments were favorable. The same the patient would rest was welded shut (1) and (2) were not achieved and are still issue of the newsletter that reports the and had to be cut open and resealed with being pursued today, considerable progress freezing of Mandell announces the a leak-proof seal after the occupant was was at least made swiftly with (3), though resignation, effective Aug. 21, of a married inside. A master welder—Tom Gartland— not through Segall’s laboratory—more couple who were important to CSNY: Karl and an assistant were required.)8 Among later. The laboratory itself did some and Glenda (Allen) Werner. Karl was vice the CSNY personnel were Paul Segall and experiments with deprivation of the amino president, newsletter art director, a CSNY Harold Waitz,9 who, along with Saul Kent acid tryptophan in mice which stunted cofounder, and the man who coined the and Curtis Henderson, would be involved their growth though failed as far as I can term cryonics, while Glenda was the CSNY in cryonics long after the organization had tell to produce a demonstrated increase treasurer. Their reasons were religious.

30 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org They had been married May 18 in the … I want him back.” By the next evening Church of Scientology. Now they were his chilling body was in the St. James severing all affiliation with cryonics because Funeral Home where CSNY cases were it had “opposing goals.”13 Later Karl would now handled by mortician Fred Horn. Paul elaborate on why Scientologists didn’t like Segall of CSNY’s volunteer staff along the idea of freezing people. “They warned with Horn carried out the cryoprotective me that if my body was frozen, powerful perfusion, using a typical, glycerol-saline spiritual beings could prevent the spirit— solution. Mihok was then placed in dry ice, which they call the Thetan—from getting and it appeared would soon be in liquid access to my body, and they might seek nitrogen like Mandell. But it was not to to control me to make me do what they be. Fifteen days later, Dec. 5, Mihok was wanted [to get my body back].” Eventually thawed and buried. By this time other Karl would leave Scientology (and also family members had all lined up against the remarry) but continued to believe “that I continued freezing, saying that Andrew had am a spirit who existed before my body never actually expressed a wish for it, and 21, 1968) (Nov. Press Binghamton, N.Y. CREDIT: PHOTO and will exist after my body is gone. We’re besides, the cost of $10,000 was more than Mildred Mihok signs paperwork for her all thousands and thousands of years old. they wanted to help the needy widow pay. husband’s freezing, Nov. 20, 1968. From Therefore, cryonics is barking up the wrong “I feel just dreadful about it,” the saddened left: Paul Segall, Mrs. Mihok, Fred Horn. tree thinking of people just as bodies.” (He Mrs. Mihok responded. “I didn’t want it would still be proud, however, that he had this way.” (Another discouragement from with water ice and then refrigerated at the been the one to name cryonics.)14 CSNY’s standpoint was that Mrs. Mihok insistence of husband Nicholas, a gun- In November another cryonics case had the unrealistic expectation that cryonics toting policeman whose appearance and occurred, this time under less favorable could bring her husband back soon, so he demeanor apparently had some influence 16 circumstances, and quickly showed the could support her again.)15 with reluctant hospital personnel. heartache that can follow. Andrew Mihok The next case started a few weeks The freezing of Mrs. DeBlasio also was a 48-year-old drill press operator who later, under somewhat better, if unusual, inspired a sympathetic response from lived in the upstate New York town of circumstances. Ann DeBlasio, a 43-year- the cryobiological community, including Vestal, a few hours’ drive from CSNY’s old cancer patient, died in New York cryobiologist Arthur Rowe, a friend and facilities in the environs of New York City. University Hospital, Manhattan, Jan. 3, colleague of Armand Karow. Saul Kent later He and his wife, Mildred, had read about 1969 and was frozen by CSNY the next recalled, "I called Art Rowe to ask for basic the freezing idea some two years before but day. (Again it does not appear that prior advice. He had been friendly to cryonics had reached no firm conclusions and had arrangements were in place.) Though the in the past and I was hoping he might be no arrangements themselves. When he died freezing was not as good as it might have able to make some recommendations or of a heart attack Nov. 19 she decided to been (I was unable to find details) the suggestions about what cryoprotectives act. As she told a reporter, “I loved him so body was cooled immediately postmortem to use, best temperature to perfuse at PHOTO CREDIT: Duke University, Durham, N. C. 1953 yearbook, 59. Durham, N. Duke University, CREDIT: PHOTO PHOTO CREDIT: CSNY archives, courtesy of Mike Darwin. CREDIT: PHOTO Arthur W. Rowe, Duke Rev. Saverio Mattei consecrates “forever flask” holding Ann Deblasio, Aug. University, Class of 1953. 15, 1969. Husband Nicholas (doorway) and Fred Horn observe.

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 31 and so on. He (Rowe) was surprisingly CSNY and its affiliates deserve much forthcoming and friendly. He provided the lion’s share of the credit for New a fair amount of practical advice on just York cryonics-related activity during this those issues …”17 time, but there was at least one interesting The body was stored on dry ice for a few contribution by an outsider. Author Alan months, until a cryogenic capsule could Harrington brought out his 1969 book, be obtained. When the specially designed The Immortalist, through the New York unit finally arrived from Minnesota Valley City iconic publisher Random House, and Engineering it was a great improvement also lived in the area. Some readers may over its predecessor made by Cryo Care. remember the book’s ringing opening lines: It stood upright and had a lid on top “Death is an imposition on the human race that could be easily removed, rather than and no longer acceptable. Men and women the patient being welded inside. Though have all but lost their ability to accommodate the boiloff was slightly higher with the themselves to personal extinction; they more open construction it was far more must now proceed physically to overcome 21

convenient to work with and took up much it.” CryoCare Report 8, 22 (Jul. 1996). CREDIT: PHOTO less floor space. It also performed more Alan Harrington was mainly known The man who named cryonics. A still- reliably than the earlier, horizontal capsules as a novelist.22 His nonfiction excursion youthful-looking Karl Werner in 1996. which required continuous pumping to The Immortalist (not the only one) has its evacuate or “harden” the vacuum jacket strong points, attempting as it does to have not been able to share. Conceivably, in (space between inner and outer walls of address rationally the ages-old problem fact very probably, developments in the state the vessel) to insulate against heat leak and of mortality, but it also disappoints the of the art, rapidly evolving developments in reduce boiloff. The family was Catholic serious immortalist, that is to say, cryonicist. Cryonics, may before too long make our and, when Mrs. DeBlasio was placed in the A tour de force of attitudes about death positions (in this respect) indistinguishable. capsule Aug. 15, a priest was on hand to with emphasis on our wish to be rid of it, But today they are not, and I refuse to fake consecrate the “forever flask” as it was now it notes our waning belief in supernatural a conviction in order to conform to a party named.18 or mystical means to accomplish our line.”26 Meanwhile in March CSNY froze deliverance, and considers prospects for a Unfortunately, it appears Harrington was another patient, Paul M. Hurst Sr., who scientific solution to the problem. A chapter, never convinced cryonics was something arrested suddenly in Florida. With backing “The Cryonics Underground,” offers an to go for himself, any more than Ettinger from the son, Paul Jr., an experimental upbeat assessment of the nascent freezing was ever in doubt. Harrington died in 1997 psychologist, personnel from Cryo-Span movement but in the end concludes that, as and was cremated, his ashes buried near Corporation (the sister organization to a pathway to the conquest of death, “[a]n Oracle, AZ.27 The burial marker’s sadly CSNY that did actual cryopreservations) intensified drive to control the aging process ironic epitaph reads, “Get me out of here.” jetted to Ft. Lauderdale to retrieve the seems far more promising.”23 Saul Kent in Did he think this task would be no harder patient. Within 24 hours he had been an editorial in CSNY’s newsletter praises with burning than with freezing? Or was transported back to Cryo-Span’s home the book but notes “that Harrington fails it mainly a matter of lack of funds for base on Long Island and frozen.19 Later he to appreciate that the cryonics movement is cryonics arrangements?28 In any case his would be placed in another upright capsule, the embodiment of the consciously directed former wife Peggy on the occasion offered alongside Mrs. DeBlasio.20 drive to immortality he calls for. The some insight into her and his perceptions avowed objective of the Cryonics Societies of cryonics around the time the book was is physical immortality—no other group written. has, as yet, raised the banner in this fashion. “The Immortalist was in the final stages Cryonic suspension is not one approach to of draft and Alan was exploring the immortality but the only available approach. scientific world of possibility to achieve an Its only purpose is to lead to the others.”24 end to death. One early summer evening Robert Ettinger in another editorial is less we found ourselves in a dreary mid-Long charitable, describing Harrington’s book as Island town at the house of a young “interesting and exasperating … at once group of new entrepreneurs. Blue-collar full of insights and inanities, profound to the core, it was an exurb community perceptions and silly nonsense, shrewd of single-family stucco and frame homes judgments and crude exaggerations. From with attached garages and plaster gnomes the point of view of cryonics (Is there any and flamingos gracing the postage-stamp other?) it is both useful and dangerous, like a front lawns. In the center of the garage rusty knife.”25 In a third editorial Harrington of one of these duplicate dwellings was a PHOTO CREDIT: Cryonics Reports 4(7), 9 (Jul. 1969). CREDIT: PHOTO responds: “… Ettinger has profound gleaming man-sized metal object, a cross Alan Harrington in 1969.30 convictions about the present efficacy of between a torpedo and a casket, seated the freezing process that, at this point, I on an undertaker's folding metal carrier

32 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org and bathed in blue light. A prototypical grabbed me and said, “Let's dance!”— (though probably still a minority) do not cryocapsule—a container for the deep- twirling me around the gleaming capsule. think that you are just your body or a part frozen remains of a human who would one Around we whirled, the mutter rose, when of it. Instead the body is seen as only day be raised into new life.29 Rock music suddenly the tinkling notes of Mr. Frosty important, for purposes of resuscitation, as pulsed over loud-speakers (The Doors, reached us and weird science, wild hippy, the principal reservoir of information about Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, and the like— motorcycle worker, and distinguished who you are. From the information alone this was the late ’60s), and a mottled group author and bride alike dispersed to the it should be possible restore the person of longhairs in sandals and cutoffs, granny curb to refresh on orange popsicles and to healthy consciousness by appropriate dresses and bare feet swayed a little to the chocolate softies.” instantiation in a replica body or other sound, stoned on grass and meth and god Unfortunately, in facing death, partying suitable substrate. That the original person knows what and drinking sweating beers often takes precedence over preparation, could persist in a disconnected replica has out of the can. especially when it comes to cryonics. In deep philosophical implications which “In nearby houses, men in beer-bellies, this case the setting made it easy to evade I will not address here but reiterate that jeans, and muscle shirts began to emerge, the stresses of taking the cryonics option such a viewpoint is not uncommon and first singly, and then joining in groups seriously. not an impediment for many who choose moving toward our mad oasis. As the circle As a final comment I’ll add, pace Karl cryonics.  grew tighter and perhaps menacing, Alan Werner, that many cryonicists today

References 1. Preparedness is a major theme of the first issue 1968)—has first quote by Mrs. Mihok; “Family 24. Saul Kent, “‘A Great Book,’” Cryonics Reports of Cryonics Reports, June 1966. Bars Freezing for Heart Victim,” Suffolk, N.Y. 4(7), 8-9 (Jul. 1969). Sun (Dec. 5, 1968)—has second quote by Mrs. 2. R. Michael Perry, “Interview with Curtis 25. Robert C. W. Ettinger, “A Matter of Mihok; Saul Kent, private communication 16 Henderson May 24, 1987,” Cryonics 30 (3) 8-11 Commitment,” Cryonics Reports 4(8), 8-9 (Aug. Jun. 2013 (unrealistic expectation of imminent (3rd Q 2009), orig. Venturist Voice 2 (4) 15-20 1969). revival). (fall 1987). Quotations in this paragraph are by 26. Alan Harrington, “Reply to Robert Ettinger,” Curtis Henderson from this article. 16. “Cryonics News,” Cryonics Reports 4 (2) 3 (Feb. Cryonics Reports 4 (9-10), 16-18 (Sep.-Oct. 1969). 1969); Mike Darwin, private communication 3. Cryonics Reports 1(1).(Jun. 1966). about 1990 (referring to “gun toting”). 27. Remaining quotations and other information 4. R. Michael Perry, op. cit. on Alan Harrington are from “A Tribute to 17. Mike Darwin, “Cold War: the Conflict Alan Harrington” by various contributors, 5. http://www.usinflationcalculator.com/, between Cryonicists and Cryobiologists,” http://weeklywire.com/ww/07-08-97/tw_feat. accessed 17 Jun. 2013. http://www.alcor.org/Library/html/coldwar. html, accessed 13 Jun. 2013. Burial information html, accessed 13 Jun. 2013, detail corrected by 6. “Cryonics News,” Cryonics Reports 3 (9), 162-66 other than the headstone epitaph is by Saul Kent, private communication 16 Jun. 2013 (Sept. 1968). Gregory McNamee while the rest including the (DeBlasio’s not Mandell’s freezing). 7. “Cryonics News,” Cryonics Reports 3 (4), 45 cryocapsule party is by Peggy Harrington. 18. Curtis Henderson, “Cryonic Suspension (Apr. 1968). 28. Saul Kent suggested this possibility, private of Ann DeBlasio,” Cryonics Reports 4 (9-10) communication 13 Jun. 2013. 8. “Cryonics News,” Cryonics Reports 3 (10), 182- 10-15 (Sep.-Oct. 1969); Saul Kent, private 89 (Oct. 1968). communication 16 Jun. 2013. 29. The Immortalist was published Jun. 24, 1969 (see for example https://www.kirkusreviews. 9. “Cryonics News,” Cryonics Reports 3 (9), 164 19. “Cryo News Capsules,” Cryonics Reports 4 (3) 6 com/book-reviews/alan-harrington-3/the- (Sep. 1968). (Mar. 1969). immortalist/ accessed 13 Jun. 2013). Since this 10. “Cryonics News,” Cryonics Reports 3 (8), 146- 20. Hurst’s son Paul Jr. paid for the capsule to was very “early summer” of 1969 it is likely the 47 (Aug. 1968); Saul Kent, private communication which another patient (Herman Greenberg) was incident was from the previous year, 1968, and 16 Jun. 2013. eventually added. the capsule thus would have been a horizontal one, made by Cryo Care, possibly the capsule 11. Mike Darwin, “An Attempt to 21. Alan Harrington, The Immortalist: An that would be used for Steven Mandell. . (Or Implement Basic Standards in Cryonics,” Approach to the Engineering of Man’s Divinity, another possibility is that the “capsule” in reality Chronopause, http://chronopause.com/ New York: Random House (1969); second was another type of cryogenic storage tank, not index.php/2012/04/16/specimen-standards- ed. slightly updated: Alan Harrington, The something specially designed for a human body.) for-evidence-based-human-cryopreservation- Immortalist, Millbrae, Calif.: Celestial Arts (1977) organizations-part-1/, accessed 12 Jun. 2013; 3. Quotations in this article are from the second 30. Date of photograph from which this image Cryonics Reports 3(3) 30-31 (Mar. 1968). edition, repeated from the first. is cropped is given in http://weeklywire.com/ ww/07-08-97/tw_feat.html. 12. “Scientific Advisory Council Formed,” 22. See for example, the obituary by Eric Pace, Cryonics Reports 3 (9), 166-67 (Sept. 1968). “Alan Harrington, 79, Novelist Known for His 13. Cryonics Reports 3 (9), 161 (Sep. 1968). Black Humor,” New York Times (28 May 1997), http://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/28/arts/ 14. “The Man Who Named Cryonics,” CryoCare alan-harrington-79-novelist-known-for-his-black- Report 8, 22 (Jul. 1996). humor.html, accessed 13 Jun. 2013; also Alan 15. “CSNY Calls off Suspension of Heart Harrington, “Reply to Robert Ettinger,” Cryonics Attack Victim,” Cryonics Reports 4 (1), 4-6 (Jan. Reports 4 (9-10), 16 (Sep.-Oct. 1969). 1969); Steve Hambalek, “Vestalite’s Body Frozen 23. Alan Harrington, The Immortalist, 249. for Future,” Binghamton, N.Y. Press (Nov. 21,

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 33 FAQ Cryonics Convention Friday, October 25 • Saturday, October 26 • Sunday, October 27, 2013

Sponsored by: The Society for Venturism, along with the help of Don Laughlin and the Riverside Resort in Laughlin, Nevada

The Society for Venturism, along with the help of Don Laughlin and the Riverside Resort (and perhaps some other organizations to be named later who want to help as sponsors), are planning to have a cryonics convention in October of this year. The following information is tentative and may change, but I wanted to get the word out early so people can start thinking about whether they want to come. The Name of the convention will be the FAQ Cryonics Convention. FAQ, as most people know, stands for Frequently Asked Questions. So this convention will be open to people who are already signed up for cryonics, and for prospective members as we also expect a good turnout from people who are thinking about signing up for cryonics, and others who are interested in life extension and/or immortalism. 1. There will be speakers on the leading ideas in cryonics and life extension in formal presentations. 2. There will be an adjoining exhibition room with information tables and/or booths where attendees can pick up literature from leading cryonics and life extension organizations, and perhaps talk with some of their representatives in person. 3. There will be at least two buffet dinners, combined with informal parties similar to the old Lake Tahoe Life Extension Festivals, in a third adjoining room. This is where you can meet with other cryonicists and make new contacts. 4. We are inviting media and reporters. Besides the speakers and programs on subjects of interest to cryonicists and immortalists, we plan to have a “Meet Don Laughlin” presentation where those people who want to meet Don Laughlin and ask him questions and give him suggestions can participate. The Riverside Resort and Laughlin, Nevada are great places to have conventions and have some fun at the same time. Besides the casino with gambling, bowling alley, several movie theaters, and conventional game rooms, there is swimming in the Colorado River and places for a beach picnic. Or you can rent a ski-doo for river fun. And there is the whole rest of the town of Laughlin with several more casinos to explore that feature Las Vegas type shows. The rates for the convention, meals, and the rooms will be extremely reduced rates for us as Mr. Laughlin is a long-time cryonicist and wants to help make this an annual and affordable event. You will want to be a “charter attendee” to these conferences! Some of the tentative confirmed speakers are: Max More, Ph.D. from Alcor, Catherine Baldwin from Suspended Animation, Stephen Valentine from the Timeship Project, Cairn Idun from the Asset Preservation Group, Mike Perry, Ph.D. and cryonics historian, Ben Best on cryonics in Wikipedia, Don Laughlin, David Pizer on the benefits of being a Venturist member, and Mark Plus with a presentation of our current appeal to help Aaron Winborn. Invited and waiting for confirmation are: A representative from the Cryonics Institute; a representative from the Immortalist Society; a representative from the new life- PS: Without making a commitment, we extension religious organization, The Church of Perpetual Life; a presentation would appreciate a reply as to whether on what happened in the unfortunate Chatsworth incident by Bob Nelson; and a representative from the Teens and Twenties Group—a new cryonics group for or not you find this desirable, would young folks. like more information, and may possibly We are preparing several more invitations to the leading experts in the cryonics, attend. This would be extremely helpful nanotechnology, neuroanatomy, and long term life extension movements. in our planning phase. To let us know So this convention will have everything, speakers, info booths, parties, relaxation if you are thinking of attending, want and fun in the sun AND IT WILL BE VERY AFFORDABLE. to have a booth, want to recommend a Sincerely. speaker or presentation, please contact David Pizer, President Venturist Secretary, Mark Plus at: The Society for Venturism [email protected] or call Mark at 928 273-8451. 34 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org Tech News Reported by R. Michael Perry

Gene Therapy Cures genetic logic—akin to the transistor and myeloid cells increases,” explained Martin Leukemia in Eight Days electronics,” said Jerome Bonnet, PhD, a Wahlestedt, a doctoral student in stem postdoctoral scholar in bioengineering and cell biology at Lund University. When an Within just eight days of starting a novel the paper’s lead author. The creation of the elderly person is affected by leukemia, the gene therapy, David Aponte’s “incurable” transcriptor allows engineers to compute cancer often has its origin in the myeloid leukemia had vanished. For four other inside living cells to record, for instance, cells, of which the elderly have more. patients, the same happened within eight when cells have been exposed to certain weeks, although one later died from a blood external stimuli or environmental factors, Mark Hoffman, Science World Report clot unrelated to the treatment, and another or even to turn on and off cell reproduction 28 Mar. 2013 after relapsing. The cured trio, who were as needed. “Biological computers can be http://www.scienceworldreport.com/ all previously diagnosed with usually fatal used to study and reprogram living systems, articles/5864/20130328/stem-cell- relapses of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, monitor environments and improve researchers-reverse-aging-blood.htm have now been in remission for between 5 cellular therapeutics,” said Drew Endy, months and 2 years. Michel Sadelain of the PhD, assistant professor of bioengineering Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the paper’s senior author. 3D Printer Can Build in New York, co-leader of the group that Synthetic Tissues designed the trial, says that a second trial of Andrew Myers / Stanford School of 50 patients is being readied, and the team Medicine A custom-built programmable 3D printer is looking into using the technique to treat 28 Mar. 2013 can create materials with several of the other cancers. The key to the new therapy is http://med.stanford.edu/ properties of living tissues, Oxford identifying a molecule unique to the surface ism/2013/march/bil-gates. University scientists have demonstrated. of cancer cells, then genetically engineering html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_ The new type of material consists of a patient’s immune cells to attack it. In medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A thousands of connected water droplets, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, immune +NewsFromStanfordsSchoolOf encapsulated within lipid films, which can cells called B-cells become malignant. The Medicine+(News+from+Stanford’s+ perform some of the functions of the cells team were able to target a surface molecule School+of+Medicine) inside our bodies. These printed “droplet known as CD19 that is only present on networks” could be the building blocks of B-cells. a new kind of technology for delivering Stem Cell Researchers drugs to places where they are needed and Andy Coghlan / New Scientist Reverse Aging of Blood potentially one day replacing or interfacing 26 Mar. 2013 with damaged human tissues. Because http://www.newscientist.com/article/ By reversing, or reprogramming, the stem droplet networks are entirely synthetic, mg21729104.100-gene-therapy-cures- cells that produce blood, Lund University have no genome and do not replicate, they leukaemia-in-eight-days.html researchers have succeeded in rejuvenating avoid some of the problems associated the blood of mice. Their results suggest with other approaches to creating artificial that most of the negative aging effects tissues—such as those that use stem cells. Biological Transistor Enables are not caused by primary DNA damage The team report their findings in this Computing within Living Cells, which (today) would be permanent, but are week’s Science. “We aren’t trying to make in fact reversible because they are based on materials that faithfully resemble tissues Study Says epigenetic factors which are programmed but rather structures that can carry out the over time and can also be reprogrammed. functions of tissues,” said Professor Hagan A team of Stanford University bioengineers Stem cells are the source of all the cells Bayley of Oxford University’s Department has taken computing beyond mechanics in the body, since they can divide an of Chemistry, who led the research. and electronics into the living realm of unlimited number of times, and each time, biology. In a paper published March 28 one of the resulting cells remains a stem University of Oxford in Science, the team details a biological cell while the other matures into the type 5 Apr. 2013 transistor made from genetic material— of cell needed by the body, for example a http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/news_ DNA and RNA—in place of gears or blood cell. Blood contains a certain mix of stories/2013/130405.html electrons. The team calls its biological B- and T-lymphocytes and myeloid cells. transistor the “transcriptor.” “Transcriptors “In older people, the number of B- and are the key component behind amplifying T-lymphocytes falls, while the number of

www.alcor.org Cryonics / July 2013 35 Membership Statistics

2013 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Members 981 983 985 974 Patients 114 115 117 117 Associate 37 40 42 44 Total 1132 1138 1144 1135

International MembersPatients Country Australia 11 2 Canada 42 2 Denmark 2 0 France 1 0 Germany 5 0 Israel 0 1 Italy 2 0 Number of Alcor members Luxembourg 1 0 Mexico 4 0 Monaco 2 0 Netherlands 2 0 New Zealand 2 0 Norway 1 0 Portugal 4 0 Spain 2 1 Thailand 3 0 United Arab Emirates 1 0 United Kingdom 24 2

Number of Alcor patients TOTAL 108 8 36 www.alcor.org

MEETINGS

About the Alcor Foundation meetings and events go to: http://www. The Alcor Life Extension Foundation is a nonprofit tax-exempt scientific and facebook.com/cryonics.northwest educational organization dedicated to advancing the science of cryopreservation A Yahoo mailing list is also maintained and promoting cryonics as a rational option. Being an Alcor member means for cryonicists in the Pacific Northwest knowing that—should the worst happen—Alcor’s Emergency Response Team is at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ ready to respond for you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. CryonicsNW/.

Alcor’s Emergency Response capability includes specially trained technicians and British Columbia (Canada): customized equipment in Arizona, northern California, southern California, and The contact person for meetings in south Florida, as well as many additional certified technicians on-call around the the Vancouver area is Keegan Macintosh: United States. Alcor’s Arizona facility includes a full-time staff, and the Patient [email protected] Care Bay is personally monitored 24 hours a day. Oregon: ARIZONA optimal.org. Although monthly meetings The contact person for meetings in the Flagstaff: are not held regularly, you can meet Los Portland area is Chana de Wolf: chana. Arizona without the inferno. Cryonics Angeles Alcor members by contacting Peter. [email protected] group in beautiful, high-altitude Flagstaff. Two-hour drive to Alcor. Contact eric@ San Francisco Bay: ALCOR PORTUGAL flagstaffcryo.com for more information. Alcor Northern California Meetings are Alcor Portugal is working to have good held quarterly in January, April, July, and stabilization and transport capabilities. The Scottsdale: October. A CryoFeast is held once a year. group meets every Saturday for two hours. This group meets the third Friday of For information on Northern California For information about meetings, contact each month and gatherings are hosted at meetings, call Mark Galeck at (408) 245- Nuno Martins at n-martins@n-martins. a home near Alcor. To RSVP, visit http:// 4928 or email [email protected]. com. The Alcor Portugal website is: www. cryonics.meetup.com/45/. alcorportugal.com. FLORIDA At Alcor: Central Florida Life Extension group TEXAS Alcor Board of Directors Meetings and meets once a month in the Tampa Bay Dallas: Facility Tours—Alcor business meetings are area (Tampa and St. Petersburg) for North Texas Cryonauts, please sign up generally held on the first Saturday of every discussion and socializing. The group for our announcements list for meetings month starting at 11:00 AM MST. Guests has been active since 2007. Email (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ are welcome to attend the fully-public board [email protected] for more cryonauts-announce) or contact David meetings on odd-numbered months. Facility information. Wallace Croft at (214) 636-3790 for details tours are held every Tuesday and Friday of upcoming meetings. at 2:00 PM. For more information or to NEW ENGLAND schedule a tour, call Marji Klima at (877) Cambridge: Austin/Central Texas: 462-5267 x101 or email [email protected]. The New England regional group We meet at least quarterly for training, The Alcor Volunteer Network, strives to meet monthly in Cambridge, transport kit updates, and discussion. For Scottsdale Chapter has a variety of MA—for information or to be added information: Steve Jackson, 512-447-7866, meetings on topics including: member to the Alcor NE mailing list, please [email protected]. education, training, community outreach, contact Bret Kulakovich at 617-824-8982, and fundraising. To RSVP, visit: http:// [email protected], or on UNITED KINGDOM www.meetup.com/AVNScottsdale/ FACEBOOK via the Cryonics Special There is an Alcor chapter in England. members/ Interest Group. For information about meetings, contact Alan Sinclair at [email protected]. CALIFORNIA PACIFIC NORTHWEST See the web site at www.alcor-uk.org. Los Angeles: Cryonics Northwest holds regular Alcor Southern California Meetings— meetings for members of all cryonics For information, call Peter Voss at organizations living in the Pacific Northwest. (310) 822-4533 or e-mail him at peter@ For information about upcoming

If you are interested in hosting regular meetings in your area, contact Alcor at 877-462-5267, ext. 113. Meetings are a great way to learn about cryonics, meet others with similar interests, and introduce your friends and family to Alcor members!

38 Cryonics / July 2013 www.alcor.org What is Cryonics?

ryonics is an attempt to preserve and protect human life, not reverse death. It is the practice of using extreme cold to attempt to preserve the life of a person who can no longer be Csupported by today’s medicine. Will future medicine, including mature nanotechnology, have the ability to heal at the cellular and molecular levels? Can cryonics successfully carry the cryopreserved person forward through time, for however many decades or centuries might be necessary, until the cryopreservation process can be reversed and the person restored to full health? While cryonics may sound like science fiction, there is a basis for it in real science. The complete scientific story of cryonics is seldom told in media reports, leaving cryonics widely misunderstood. We invite you to reach your own conclusions.

How do I find out more?

he Alcor Life Extension Foundation is the world leader in cryonics research and technology. Alcor is a non-profit organization located in Scottsdale, Arizona, founded in 1972. Our website Tis one of the best sources of detailed introductory information about Alcor and cryopreservation ( www.alcor.org). We also invite you to request our FREE information package on the “Free Information” section of our website. It includes:

A fully illustrated color brochure

• A sample of our magazine

• An application for membership and brochure explaining how to join

• And more!

Your free package should arrive in 1-2 weeks. (The complete package will be sent free in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom.)

How do I enroll? Signing up for a cryopreservation is easy! Step 1: Fill out an application and submit it with your $150 application fee. Step 2: You will then be sent a set of contracts to review and sign. Step 3: Fund your cryopreservation. While most people use life insurance to fund their cryopreservation, other forms of prepayment are also accepted. Alcor’s Membership Coordinator can provide you with a list of insurance agents familiar with satisfying Alcor’s current funding requirements. Finally: After enrolling, you will wear emergency alert tags or carry a special card in your wallet. This is your confirmation that Alcor will respond immediately to an emergency call on your behalf.

Call toll-free today to start your application:

877-462-5267 ext. 132 [email protected] www.alcor.org Your best chance at achieving future immortality is to protect the latest vitamins and supplements, backed by scientific your precious health now so you can benefit from future medical research and available through a unique buyers club. breakthroughs. Staying informed about the latest health discoveries can mean the difference between life and premature death. FREE BONUS!

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• Access to a toll-free phone line to speak with knowledgeable health advisors, including naturopathic doctors, nutritionists, and a cancer expert, about your individual health concerns. You can also receive help in developing your own personal life extension program.

• Discounts on prescription drugs, blood tests, and pharmaceutical quality supplements that will greatly exceed your membership dues. You’ll receive a directory listing

Mention Code: PIM