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lume 34:6 June 2013 • Vo CONTENTS

5 QUOD INCEPIMUS CONFICIEMUS rview with COVER STORY: PAGE 6 Marketing Cryonics Inte brey r. Au Cryonics magazine editor Aschwin D ey Interview with de Gr de Wolf’s column aims to Page 6 nce, Dr. Aubrey de Grey senesce further the cause of human uno d Aging , Imm rate On a November weekend in HIV le cryopreservation by debunking and Acce age 12 dit 2002, a strange looking fellow P es Cre ew misconceptions and offering fresh er Du Memb named Aubrey de Grey took perspectives. r Bringing in N fo ers Memb the stage at the 5th Alcor Page 18 conference to present a proposal 9 IN PERPETUITY ISSN 1054-4305 to defeat aging called Strategies The Valley of the Shadow of for Engineered Negligible Death $9.95 (SENS). More than Keegan Macintosh’s monthly column about legal issues 10 years later we meet with surrounding cryonics and life Aubrey again to talk about the extension. nature of aging, , and the future of cryonics. 14 FOR THE RECORD Cryonics in New York: Optimism before the First Freezing, 1966-68 Mike Perry’s indispensable column about important 12 COOLER MINDS PREVAIL figures and events in , cryonics, and human HIV, Immunosenescence, and Accelerated Aging enhancement. A column by Chana de Wolf about neuroscience, cryonics, and life extension. 19 Tech News We read the news to uncover the most promising and exciting 18 Member Dues Credit for Bringing in New Members developments in science and technology. A new initiative to grow Alcor membership and keep it affordable. Alcor CEO announces a new program that waives 20 Membership Statistics membership dues for bringing in new members. Grow Alcor and How many members, associate save money at the same time! members, and patients does Alcor have and where do they live?

www.alcor.org Cryonics / June 2013 3 A Non-Profit Organization The 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 G first person to be cryopreserved, and the first to make a bequest to Ralph C. Merkle, Ph.D. a cryonics organization, exemplified the determination of the early , Ph.D. pioneers of cryonics. We invite you to follow in his footsteps, and join the James Bedford Society. Editor The James Bedford Society recognizes those who make a Aschwin de Wolf bequest of any size to the Alcor Life Extension Foundation. If you have already provided a gift Contributing Writers Aschwin de Wolf for Alcor in your estate, please send a copy of your relevant documents Chana de Wolf to Alcor’s Finance Director, Bonnie Magee. Keegan Macintosh If you’d like to learn more about setting up a bequest, send an email Max More, Ph.D. to [email protected] or call 480-905-1906 x114 to discuss your gift.  Mike Perry, Ph.D. ______Copyright 2013 by Alcor Life Extension Foundation All rights reserved. 2013 Annual Giving Program Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited. lcor provides a wide array of services for you the member, and the general Apublic. We inform and educate, we protect and preserve, and we strive to remain Cryonics magazine is published monthly. at the forefront of cryonics technology. Since its founding, Alcor has relied on member support to maintain its mission To subscribe to the printed edition and attract new members. Your support, regardless of size, can provide a better and/or change your address, please future for all cryonicists. Please act now. call 480.905.1906 x101or visit the magazine website: Suggested Giving Levels www.alcor.org/magazine $20 Friend Please note: If you change your address $60 Junior Supporter less than a month before the magazine is mailed, it may be sent to your old address. $120 Sustaining Supporter ______Address correspondence to: $500 Advocate Supporter 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: [email protected] $25,000 Titanium Supporter $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 contacting Alcor’s Finance Director, Bonnie Magee, at [email protected]. Your Visit us on the web at www.alcor.org donation may be made as a lump sum or divided into easy monthly payments.  Alcor News Blog http://www.alcor.org/blog/

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

Photo: Cryo-Care Equipment Corporation on Indian School Road in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Bedford’s “home” from 1967 to 1969.

Marketing Cryonics By Aschwin de Wolf

ince I have been involved in the field matter at the molecular level and and calibrate our message to show that of cryonics I have encountered two extremely long lives will be possible, cryonics is not something threatening Sdistinct views on the marketing of even for people considered “dead” but something aimed at preserving lives cryonics. One view holds that cryonics today. Technology is accelerating and keeping people together. is characterized by a disproportional towards the Singularity. Most Now, think about these different ways involvement of scientists, intellectuals, and likely, cryopreserved people will be of conceptualizing cryonics from the people with computer backgrounds who resuscitated as substrate-independent perspective of marketing. It seems to me that are totally unequipped to sell the idea to the minds. Cryonics is part of the broader the first perspective is not only extraordinary larger masses. The marketing of cryonics “immortalist” and “transhumanist” difficult to sell but that the most proper should be done by people with a “business” movements. Not all people agree with expectation here would be more akin to or “marketing” background. us and we need to identify the biases damage control. If you are frustrated about The other view is that people who that give rise to these attitudes so we the fact that you are always discussing expect a lot from marketing of cryonics are can change their minds. If you are “something else” instead of cryonics there is blind to the most obvious fact about our concerned about resuscitation in a a good chance that this is the result of either field. Most people reject cryonics and don’t different and strange world, you need a lack of restraint in promoting other ideas want it. No sane business would spend vast to toughen up. you care about under the rubric of cryonics amounts of time and money on a product 2. Current developments in science and or that the person in question has read just or service that people don’t want. medicine increasingly throw doubts too many popular accounts about cryonics While I am personally more sympathetic on the idea of “death” as a single and that discuss the Singularity, immortality, to the latter perspective, I suspect that a uniform event. We can stabilize people , or chopping off heads. As rather obvious point is being overlooked. at ultra-low temperatures to allow much as I hate to admit it, some of the bad What seems to matter a great deal is how them to benefit from future medical PR surrounding cryonics is self-inflicted. cryonics is conceptualized and “sold” to developments. Cryonics is a logical If anyone would ask me today if successful the general public. Let me illustrate this extension of other medical procedures marketing of cryonics is possible I would by contrasting two really different ways in which people are stabilized for further answer that this really depends on whether of talking about cryonics. I am purposely treatment. The pace of technological we are trying to sell a complete worldview simplifying things here to get the point across. progress may not be linear but assuming that most people seem to reject or whether 1. The belief in a “soul” (or dualism) complete scientific and technological we are trying to connect to the rest of us is nonsense. There is nothing in our stasis is not reasonable either. Cryonics with a proposal to update our current views understanding of the laws of physics raises a lot of concerns for many people. on what it means to practice critical care that prohibits the manipulation of We have to address these concerns medicine and end-of-life care. 

www.alcor.org Cryonics / June 2013 5 Interview with Dr. Aubrey de Grey

The following interview with biogerontologist Aubrey de Grey is the first in a series of interviews with prominent scientists in the field of aging. Questions were submitted by fans of the Alcor Facebook page and the magazine editor.

1. At what age, currently, should 10 years has a non-negligible chance 3. Where do you see cryonics in someone feel that there is very of benefiting. But I should point out both society and technology in little chance of life extension that the humanitarian motivation for the next 40-50 years? research benefiting him before striving to hasten the defeat of aging is the end of his (current, average much the most powerful in my view— The societal aspect depends almost projected) life expectancy? much more powerful than the desire entirely on the extent of technological to benefit oneself, or to benefit any progress, I think. The minute we revive There’s no way to answer that in terms particular other person. a mouse and have it live healthily for of chronological age, because different even a week or two, there will cease to people aged (say) 60 have such be appreciable doubt that cryonics will different states of health and chances 2. What advice can you give to eventually work. I think there’s a very of living another (say) 30 years. All cryonics organizations and good chance of getting to that point in we can say is that there seems to be a activists to improve the public’s under 20 years. good chance—I’d say at least 50%— perception of cryonics? that we will be able to control aging pretty comprehensively within 20-25 That’s pretty hard: very smart people 4. When do you believe the first years from now, allowing those who have been trying to perfect a pitch that tangible and effective product or are not too frail to be treated to benefit works for a long time, so I’m unlikely technique for increasing human greatly. I think anyone who is in a good to have any ideas that are really new. life span will result from SENS enough state of health that they can The only thing I think might be research? What do you believe reasonably expect to avoid serious age- more effective is to promote certain that product/technique will most related disease or disability for another aspects of the logic of cryonics a bit likely be? more aggressively, and especially to educate the public better concerning Well, SENS is a divide-and-conquer aspects of that logic that are already strategy, so we can’t expect to see “....one big reason why exercise mainstream. For example, I think it significant postponement of aging would be useful if the public knew resulting from it until pretty much is not bad for you is that the that mainstream cryobiologists, the all of it is working quite well. Thus, mitochondrion, the main source type who publicly deride cryonics with there’s no one answer to the second great vigor, nevertheless typically have part of the question. As to the first of free radicals as a side-effect of a very positive view of research aimed part, see question 1. releasing energy from nutrients, at vitrifying organs and reviving them for transplant purposes. If this were actually works more cleanly better known, the question of what 5. How can an individual without (producing fewer free radicals) makes the brain any less revivable in extensive formal education but principle than a kidney becomes rather with a passion for the science and when it is working harder than obvious, and the absence of any good potentially great ideas become when it is ‘idling.’” answer from the mainstream critics of directly involved in producing cryonics becomes rather conspicuous. viable results in the fight against aging?

6 Cryonics / June 2013 www.alcor.org There are numerous ways. One is to the way in 2006. We’re working very recalibration of metabolic priorities get extensive informal education!— hard on changing that! that the organism undergoes in that’s how I started out, having order to optimize its reproductive originally been a computer scientist potential in the context of particular with no biology education since the 7. If aging is the accumulation of environmental circumstances. age of 15. Other than that, the most damage, how is it possible that obvious way is of course to donate to activities that generate more the research; without the generosity of stress (such as exercise) can 9. One of the distinguishing features a few very wealthy people we would improve health and lifespan? of SENS is the explicit advocacy of not be where we are today, and we are rejuvenation. Are there currently also extremely happy that the number The simple answer is that stress doesn’t any examples of successful of small donors is rising rapidly at necessarily cause damage! But of rejuvenation in the lab? the moment. But there are also non- course it depends on the type of stress. monetary ways, because a huge part Exercise is a particularly interesting I guess that depends on what you mean of getting this work to happen sooner case: one big reason why exercise is not by successful rejuvenation. There is simple advocacy, educating the bad for you is that the mitochondrion, are examples of the restoration of public to realize how important it the main source of free radicals as a molecular or cellular composition— is. Advocacy comes in many forms: side-effect of releasing energy from that’s what most stem cell therapies doing interviews, organizing lectures nutrients, actually works more cleanly are, and the removal of amyloid in and meetups, and even just talking to (producing fewer free radicals) when Alzheimer’s disease by vaccination is one’s friends/family/colleagues. The it is working harder than when it is another example. Also, there are clear more familiar people become with this “idling.” cases of relief from age-related decline field, the more they will appreciate that in models of accelerated aging, such as it may bear fruit quite soon. late-generation telomerase knockout 8. Is there any scientific finding (or mice, by removal of the single cause set of findings) that you think of the acceleration (so in that case, 6. The idea of SENS has been around undermines the idea of aging as reintroduction of telomerase). But in for more than 10 years now. What accumulation of damage? order to demonstrate restoration of do you consider your greatest youthful health in an aged organism achievements and failures? No. However, there are some that is aging normally, one would need phenomena that seem inconsistent to repair all of the multiple types of I think the greatest achievement with that idea until one examines damage that are causing impaired has been in legitimizing the idea of the details carefully. For example, function, and we can’t do that yet. rejuvenation biotechnology in the the malleability of the rate of aging eyes of scientists and the media. in response to simple interventions, 10. Which element of the SENS There are still skeptics, of course, but such as or single- program do you think is well taken the acceptance of this approach is gene mutations, superficially implies care of by mainstream science now such that I am regularly invited that aging is determined by a program and which element requires full to organize sessions at mainstream that orchestrates decline in many community support? conferences, whereas tissues semi-simultaneously, but in as little as five years ago I would never fact the consensus is that the effect The only area that is currently quite even be invited to speak at them. on aging is just a side-effect of the well taken care of is stem cell research Similarly, I am hardly ever characterized to combat cell loss. All the others need in the media as “maverick” or "heretic" much more work than mainstream any more—“controversial,” sure, but funding is currently allowing.  of course that means “might be right.” “The minute we revive a mouse As for failures, well, there are no real and have it live healthily for even scientific failures—SENS has pretty much exactly the same structure now a week or two, there will cease to as a decade ago—but I guess I would be appreciable doubt that cryonics say that I’m quite disappointed that the number of very wealthy donors to will eventually work.” this cause has not increased as rapidly as I’d expected since Peter Thiel led

www.alcor.org Cryonics / June 2013 7 George Church, PhD Professor, Dept. of Genetics, Harvard Medical School

Aubrey de Grey, PhD CSO SENS Research Foundation

SRF-Cryonics_Ad-Fin.indd 1 6/7/13 2:14 PM IN PERPETUITY

The Valley of the Shadow of Death By Keegan Macintosh

he “uncanny valley” is a theory According to Moore, “the uncanny valley stimulus depends on the stimulus itself, described in 1970 by robotics effect is a particular manifestation of... [the] and intrinsic properties of the observer. Tprofessor Masahiro Mori which ‘perceptual magnet effect’, in which stimuli Moore’s model even accounts for the posits that as a robot’s appearance becomes close to a category boundary are judged by different curves Mori proposed for still more human-like, observer affinity towards observers to be more dissimilar than stimuli human-like artifacts versus moving ones. it will increase until the likeness reaches that are away from a category boundary”. However, Moore asserts that “the model a certain threshold, after which affinity Where membership in one category or the derived here provides a more general will drop sharply into the negative—the other is determined by reference to more mathematical explanation... for a range of uncanny valley—before rebounding again than one perceptual cue, and these cues are real-world situations in which conflicting towards levels exhibited toward ordinary, in conflict with each other, the differential perceptual cues give rise to negative, fearful healthy-appearing humans.[1] The theory distortion that results at the class boundary or even violent reactions.” has received more widespread exposure will cause “a form of perceptual ‘tension’... since the advent of 3-D animated films, [that] may be experienced as physical or where attempted realistic depictions of emotional discomfort, e.g. feelings of “I suspect that the sensitivity human characters have sometimes resulted eeriness or creepiness.” in quite negative viewer reactions, citing Moore posits that the drop in affinity of an observer to particular “creepiness” of the characters, despite described by Mori is a function of (1) perceptual tension, and the nature animators’ efforts to render them as close decreased familiarity near the class to life (and presumably not-creepy) as boundary between a ‘target’ perception (i.e. of the behavioural response possible. human) and a ‘background’ perception’ exhibited, may depend in part on The phenomenon is not unique to that does not overlap significantly with the humans—it has been observed in monkeys target (i.e. non-human), and (2) perceptual whether the target perception is presented with photographs and 3-D tension arising from conflicting cues to a category the observer considers rendered images of monkey faces of category membership. Individual observers varying degrees of realism. Mate selection have varying sensitivities to perceptual themself to be a member of.” and pathogen avoidance have been conflict, so the depth of the valley will suggested as possible evolutionary reasons differ from observer to observer, but why subtle deviation from appearance the feelings of creepiness/eeriness “may One piece that I believe is missing from norms would evoke a stronger negative induce the observer to take action in such a Moore’s explanation of the uncanny valley is response than a more substantial deviation. way as to reduce its effect.” Moore suggests the role that observer category membership However, one researcher, Roger K. Moore four possible behavioural responses: plays. I suspect that the sensitivity of an has come up with an explanation of the withdrawal, attack, willfully ignoring one observer to particular perceptual tension, uncanny valley effect, using Bayesian or more conflicting cues (‘turning a blind and the nature of the behavioural response models, that suggests that the effect applies eye’), or integrating the new information exhibited, may depend in part on whether to all conceptual categories (to some into the category schema (i.e. habituation). the target perception is a category the degree), not just human vs. non-human.[2] Which behaviour results from a particular observer considers themself to be a

www.alcor.org Cryonics / June 2013 9 member of. This would explain why the even wished “continued which fall under FDA’s authority over effect seems more pronounced when the success in [his] endeavors”, was consulted “medical devices.” This strategy would target perception is ‘human’. It may be that for his expertise in an early cryonics case... require cryonics to prove its efficacy, the individual observer sensitivity Moore and obliged! Though the collapse of the which of course, by presently accepted discusses is generally higher when the cue Cryonics Society of California and tragic definitions, cannot be done. Instead, conflicts force introspection into why the loss of the patients at Chatsworth no cryonics is shoved in the direction of observer themself is a member of the target doubt contributed to rising anti-cryonics regulators responsible for burial practices category, which could result in feelings of sentiment, it is interesting that the move to and other modes of disposition of human insecurity as cues previously assumed to ban cryonicists from entry to the Society remains, where, of all places, it might be sufficient for determining category for Cryobiology appeared to occur in actually have a chance of being protected membership need to be reconsidered. It reaction to close exposure to “medicalized” on the basis of the practitioners’ beliefs. It may also be relevant whether the observer cryonics in an impromptu presentation by is telling, too, how often negative responses considers themself to be a core member of Darwin at the Society’s meeting in 1981. by scientists to cryonics will ignore or the target category, or on the fringe—or This negative reaction by cryobiologists distort well-established science, often from alternatively, a member of the background to the arrival of cryonics as a serious their own field. To me, this all points to category. scientific endeavour can be explained the irrational/emotional nature of these using the uncanny valley theory. The target responses—many of these researchers no category here is clear enough—cryonics doubt consider themselves members of “Reliance on life insurance to aspires to be recognized as a medical the extended medical community, and are procedure. But what is the background trying to put distance between themselves fund cryonics arrangements seems category causing perceptual tension? and something that looks like them and talks to pull in the wrong direction, One option is quackery, and certainly like them, but is nevertheless decidedly not many public comments from scientists them. Without necessarily realizing it, their as we are opportunistically superficially seem to support this. However, instinctive reaction is to push cryonics back capitalizing on a definition of remembering back to Moore’s explanation towards the background category causing of the uncanny valley, perceptual tension the perceptual conflict. death we fundamentally disagree arises from conflicting cues to category Ritual burial practice and medical with, in order to afford an membership near the boundary between technology are far more dissimilar from categories with low overlap, whereas quackery each other than medicine and quackery, opportunity to disprove it—to and actual medicine share many perceptual and thus Moore’s model would predict our benefit.” cues in common (if they didn’t, the snake any cue conflict near the class boundary to oil wouldn’t get sold). So while we might cause perceptual tension. Here, cryonics is not expect scientists to provide ringing the perfect storm of conflicting cues: it is endorsements of a practice they perceived a procedure performed after the person is Now, let us consider cryonics. Might to sit near the boundary between quackery already declared dead, that looks at first like the uncanny valley theory shed some light and medical procedure, we also would not attempts to resuscitate, followed by surgery onto why cryonics has such a difficult time expect a previously neutral (and in some (possibly involving decapitation) and then garnering public and mainstream scientific instances positive) response to shift sharply preservation, with the ultimate objective support? I think it can. into the negative as a result of that same of continued life in an as-yet-unknown has written about the conflict between practice transitioning towards operating on form, on the basis of a theory that can cryonicists and cryobiologists, pointing out a more rigorously scientific basis. never be absolutely disproven... so long as that there was not always a “war” between I believe the background category the person’s remains are left undisturbed. them, and that “[s]everal cryobiologists causing the trouble is ritual burial practice. These perceptual cues are a complete who later became some of the most vocal The tip-off is that the regulators that anti- and utter jumble, pointing 100% in both critics of cryonics were not only not cryonics agitators invariably prod to clamp directions at the juncture of life and death. hostile, but actually demonstrated interest down on “cadaver freezing” are state funeral And if that all weren’t confusing enough, in and support of cryonics; particularly boards—even though the supposed cause what role might the category of ‘scientific with an eye towards getting money to for governmental intervention is that “it research’ have in this? We utilize anatomical pursue cryobiological research.”[3] Several won’t work,” a standard which would never gift legislation to effect transfer of the cryobiologists sat on the Science Advisory be applied to beliefs associated with other body for the purpose of research, but Council to the Cryonics Societies of burial practices. This approach is illogical: a then refer to our specimens as “patients” America in those early years, and Arthur better strategy against cryonics would be to and wait for other research to produce the Rowe, who went on to become a prominent push for its regulation within the medical evidence and technology in order for this anti-cryonics cryobiologist, at one time establishment, and in particular any devices research to become a medical procedure. In

10 Cryonics / June 2013 www.alcor.org my opinion, the ‘scientific research’ label is to our benefit. Of course, for many life government regulation down the road. a red herring—it has obvious utility for us, insurance is the only real means of access These are only a few ideas of how to keep but it is a loose foothold in the uncanny available to them, but perhaps down the non-research, non-technical dimensions valley, given how candid we are about our road, we could negotiate or design a new of cryonics progressing smoothly toward objectives. form of insurance specific to cryonics, recognized medical practice, mitigating as So, will any amount of R&D short of formally triggered not by the patient’s legal much as possible any perceptual tension actually resuscitating someone increase death, but initiation of cryonics procedures. with the background category of ritual our public approval, or will it just heighten This is really just a rose by another name, burials. perceptual tension and plunge us further but it would also finally put to rest that old If the uncanny valley theory holds into the valley? Moore’s model tells us that worry that the insurers will come back for true, there’s a high mountain of public individual sensitivity to perceptual tension their money if the patient is resuscitated. acceptance on the other side waiting. The isn’t something we can directly control for, A feature of mainstream medicine question is, have we already reached the other than perhaps through desensitization, which is conspicuously underdeveloped bottom?  but that is hard to accomplish with a in cryonics are surrogate decision makers movement so small. Also, some of the for patients post-cryopreservation. As it conflicting perceptual cues are not ones we stands currently, cryonics organizations References can change. If our objectives sound quasi- have complete or near-complete authority religious to others, we can try to explain over their charges, and while this is for the [1]: Masahiro Mori, “The Uncanny how we reject the ordinary definition(s) of good purpose of preventing interference Valley”, 7 Energy 4 (1970) 33-35. Available death while still being rational people—but by third parties, it does give the appearance online (English): http://spectrum.ieee. if they are not persuaded, there’s not much that the patients are essentially the property org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/ else we can do other than keep building of the care provider. Given the potential the-uncanny-valley up our evidence, brick by brick. However, time frames we are looking at, recognizing [2]: Shawn A Steckenfinger & Asif A we may be able to reduce cue conflict on something like a power of attorney for Ghazanfar, “Monkey visual behavioiur other dimensions. We can accomplish this health care, in cryonics care, still might falls into the uncanny valley” 106 by continuing to emulate medicine in more not stretch far enough, unless it contained PNAS 43 (2009) 18362-18366. positive ways, and also by de-emphasizing a power to delegate the authority further, Available online: http://www.pnas.org/ cues that pull the other direction (i.e. the or was vested in a trusted organization content/106/43/18362.full trend away from the word “immortality” instead of an individual. Due to the is a good one, at least for the public legal status of the patients, the cryonics [3]: Roger K Moore, “A Bayesian acceptance of cryonics). organizations would have a lot of latitude explanation of the ‘Uncanny Valley’ effect in designing what exactly their obligations and related psychological phenomena”. were to the patient’s representatives, post- Scientific Reports 2, Article 864. Published cryopreservation, keeping in mind the online, November 16, 2012: http:// “This negative reaction by precarious and high stakes nature of the www.nature.com/srep/2012/121115/ cryobiologists to the arrival of cryonics venture. However, one scenario srep00864/full/srep00864.html which should be seriously considered, cryonics as a serious scientific is under what circumstances a surrogate [4]: Mike Darwin, “Cold War: The Conflict endeavour can be explained using decision maker (or self-regulatory body, Between Cryonicists and Cryobiologists”. see below) could insist that the patient be Cryonics, June, July, August 1991. Available the uncanny valley theory.” moved. online: http://www.alcor.org/Library/ Another aspect of medical practice html/coldwar.html which cryonics can and probably should The current legal definition of death is a emulate sooner or later is self-regulation. source of perceptual conflict that we may Mainstream medicine is of course Keegan Macintosh is Research Fellow not be able to do much about just yet, but in regulated through a mix of government for the Lifespan Society of British the interim, we can at least try to minimize and professional self-regulation, and Columbia, where he is working its apparent importance to the procedure. the cryonics organizations’ proactively to address issues of access to life Reliance on life insurance to fund cryonics developing shared standards and oversight extension technologies. arrangements seems to pull in the wrong mechanisms will give the public confidence [email protected] direction, as we are opportunistically that whatever the patients’ status is in law, capitalizing on a definition of death we they are being treated with due care and fundamentally disagree with, in order to respect. In the same vein, self-regulation afford an opportunity to disprove it— may help ward off the risk of inappropriate

www.alcor.org Cryonics / June 2013 11 COOLER MINDS PREVAIL

HIV, Immunosenescence, and Accelerated Aging By Chana de Wolf

fter a few articles considering that aging has been slowed in proportion dietary fat and caloric content; infections Alzheimer disease from several to the reduced exposure to infections in from pathogens ingested from carrion Aangles, I would like to switch gears early life. These hypotheses are supported and from exposure to excreta; and non- this month and talk more generally about by twentieth century examples which infectious inflammagens such as those the interaction between the immune system strongly demonstrate influences of the in aerosols and in cooked foods. He and aging. early life environment on adult health, such hypothesizes that exposure to these pro- In his 2012 paper[1], Caleb E. Finch as the effects of prenatal and postnatal inflammatory factors, which one would documents the evolution of life expectancy developmental influences (e.g., nutrition, expect to shorten life expectancy, actually in the course of human history. The life exposure to infection) on adult chronic resulted in humans evolving lower mortality expectancy at birth of our shared ape metabolic and vascular disorders as well as and longer lifespans in response to highly ancestor 6 millions years ago is hypothesized physical traits and mental characteristics. inflammatory environments. to approximate that of a chimpanzee, 15 This leads Finch to suggest “broadening A means for this, he argues, was the years. The first Homo species appeared 1-2 the concept of ‘developmental origins’ to development of the apoE4 genotype. million years ago and had a life expectancy include three groups of factors: nutritional Noting that the apoE4 allele favors of ~20 years, while H. sapiens came onto deficits, chronic stress from socio- advantageous fat accumulation and is also the scene ~100,000 years ago and could economic factors, and direct and indirect associated with enhanced inflammatory expect about 30 years of life. But starting damage from infections.” responses, Finch argues that heightened around 200 years ago, concurrent with industrialization, human life expectancy jumped rapidly, to somewhere between 70 “An unforeseen consequence of these successful therapies is that and 80 years today. As many readers are likely aware, the HIV patients are living longer but a striking number of them huge recent increases in life expectancy appear to be getting older faster, particularly showing early are commonly attributed to improvements in hygiene, nutrition, and medicine during signs of dementia usually seen in the elderly.” the nineteenth and twentieth centuries that reduced mortality from infections at all ages. Finch hypothesizes, generally, that early Finch also considers the effects of inflammatory response and more efficient age mortality over the course of human inflammation and diet on human evolution, fat storage would have been adaptive in a history is primarily due to (acute) infection, proposing several environmental and pro-inflammatory environment and during while old age mortality is primarily due to foraging factors that may have been times of uncertain nutrition. As has been (chronic) inflammation. Further analysis of important in the genetic basis for evolving discussed in prior articles in Cooler Minds mortality rates over the last several hundred lower basal mortality through interactions Prevail, the apoE alleles also influence years leads him to further hypothesize with chronic inflammation, in particular: diverse chronic non-infectious degenerative

12 Cryonics / June 2013 www.alcor.org diseases and lifespan. “Thus,” Finch suffer elevated rates of melanoma and clinical care are performing research aimed concludes, “the apoE allele system has kidney cancers, and seven times the rate at optimizing care for aging HIV patients. multiple influences relevant to evolution of of other non-HIV-related cancers. And The implications for such research brain development, metabolic storage, host ultimately, long-term treated HIV-infected may be far-reaching. In fact, many HIV defense, and longevity.” individuals also die at an earlier age than clinicians and researchers think that HIV With the general relationship between HIV-uninfected individuals[3]. may be key to understanding aging in inflammation and the evolution of human Recent research is beginning to explore general. Dr. Eric Verdin states, “I think in aging and life expectancy in mind, let us and unravel the interplay between HIV treated, HIV-infected patients the primary now consider immune system involvement infection and other environmental driver of disease is immunological. The in more detail, and the relationship factors (such as co-infection with other study of individuals who are HIV-positive between HIV and immunosenescence viruses) in the acceleration of the aging is likely to teach us things that are really more specifically. process of the immune system, leading new and important, not only about HIV Immunosenescence refers to the age- to immunosenescence. In the setting of infection, but also about normal aging.” associated deterioration of the immune HIV infection, the immune response is Dr. Steven Deeks stresses the system. As an organism ages it gradually associated with abnormally high levels collaborative efforts of experts across becomes deficient in its ability to respond of activation, leading to a cascade of fields. “I think there is a high potential to infections and experiences a decline in continued viral spread and cell death, and for tremendous progress in understanding long-term immune memory. This is due accelerating the physiologic steps associated HIV if we can assemble a team of experts to a number of specific biological changes with immunosenescence. Despite clear from the world of HIV immunology and such as diminished self-renewal capacity improvements associated with effective the world of ,” he says. “Each of hematopoietic stem cells, a decline in antiretroviral therapy, some subjects show field can dramatically inform the other. total number of phagocytes, impairment persistent alterations in T cell homeostasis, I believe HIV is a well described, well of Natural Killer (NK) and dendritic cells, especially constraints on T cell recovery, studied, distinct disease that can be used as and a reduction in B-cell population. There which are further exacerbated in the setting a model by the larger community to look at is also a decline in the production of new of co-infection and increasing age. issues of aging.”  naïve lymphocytes and the functional Unsurprisingly, it has been observed competence of memory cell populations. that markers of immunosenescence As a result, advanced age is associated might predict morbidity and mortality in References with increased frequency and severity of HIV-infected adults as well as the general pathological health problems as well as population. In both HIV infection and [1] Finch, C (2012). Evolution of the an increase in morbidity due to impaired aging, immunosenescence is marked by Human Lifespan, Past, Present, and ability to respond to infections, diseases, an increased proportion of CD28- to Future: Phases in the Evolution of and disorders. CD57+, and memory CD8+ T cells with Human Life Expectancy in Relation to It is not hard to imagine that an increased reduced capacity to produce interleukin 2 the Inflammatory Load. Proceedings of the viral load leading to chronic inflammatory (IL-2), increased production of interleukin American Philosophical Society, 156:1, 9-44. response may accelerate aging and 6 (IL-6), resistance to apoptosis, and [2] Mascolini, M (2013). Over 10% immunosenescence. Evidence for this is shortened telomeres. Levels of markers in Older HIV Group Fit Alzheimer’s accumulating rapidly since the advent of of inflammation are elevated in HIV- Biomarker Risk Profile. Conference antiretroviral therapies for treatment of infected patients, and elevations in markers Reports for NATAP: 20th Conference on HIV infection. An unforeseen consequence such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, of these successful therapies is that HIV D-dimer, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) have March 3-6, 2013. patients are living longer but a striking been associated with increased risk for number of them appear to be getting older cardiovascular disease, opportunistic [3] Aberg, X (2012). Aging, Inflammation, faster, particularly showing early signs conditions, or all-cause mortality[4]. and HIV Infection. Topics in Antiviral of dementia usually seen in the elderly. But even as we are beginning to identify Medicine, 20:3, 101-105. In one study, slightly more than 10% of markers that appear to be associated with older patients (avg = 56.7 years) with well- risk of poor outcome in HIV infection, it is [4] Deeks, S, Verdin, S. and McCune, controlled HIV infection had cerebrospinal still unclear how patients should be treated JM (2012). Immunosenescence and HIV. fluid (CSF) marker profiles consistent on the basis of this information. To that Current Opinion in Immunology, 24: 1-6. with Alzheimer disease[2] – more than 10 end, several trials are underway to evaluate times the risk prevalence of the general the effects of modulation of immune population at the same age. HIV patients activation and inflammation in HIV are also registering higher rates of insulin infection. At the same time, clinicians at resistance and cholesterol imbalances, the forefront of advancing knowledge and

www.alcor.org Cryonics / June 2013 13 FOR THE RECORD

Cryonics in New York: Optimism before the First Freezing, 1966-68 By R. Michael Perry

n an earlier column we looked into the funeral directors in the area with an appeal should not be done until the process is beginnings of cryonics in New York, for assistance. Notes the letter: “Perfusing perfected—starting with individual organs Iin which , Saul Kent the body with a protective chemical solution, and graduating up to small mammals and others formed the Cryonics Society which is a necessary part of the procedure, then large mammals. (A point apparently of New York in Brooklyn in July 1965. is similar to the embalming process. The overlooked is that the brain is an “individual It was the intention of CSNY to offer embalmer has the basic training to administer organ” that might be preserved to save cryopreservation services to the public but this treatment properly. Immediately after the patient’s life before a process had been that actuality with its challenges and cares death, he could work with or without the perfected for an entire body.) The objection, would not materialize for another three years. doctor, if necessary, to help bring the patient it is noted, ignores the basic cryonics With the worry over actual cryonics a ways to the frozen state.”[2] premise that technology will improve in off (and freezings elsewhere just getting A conflict is recognized early between the future so that resuscitation of persons started and still in a “honeymoon” phase), cryonicists who advocated freeze-now cryopreserved today might become feasible. a heady optimism prevailed. At first CSNY and non-cryonicist scientists who felt A second objection is that the public may be was a private group with small, informal that human cryopreservation should be defrauded by an unscrupulous practitioner meetings and limited correspondence with postponed. This was underscored by who offers them “immortality” then fails to other groups, particularly Evan Cooper’s events at the Third Annual Conference of deliver. “Their alternative,” Saul writes, “is Life Extension Society in Washington, D.C., the Society for Cryobiology, held August to freeze no one, and thus guarantee certain the parent organization they had separated 8-10, 1966 at the Statler Hilton Hotel in death. Apparently the promise of something from over matters of policy. Here we take Boston. Curtis Henderson, Saul Kent, and definite, even death, is more appealing to up the story in 1966. Karl Werner of CSNY attended. these scientists than any uncertainty.” In June that year CSNY published the first “On the first day of the conference we “The time has come, the article concludes, issue of their monthly newsletter, Cryonics obtained permission from the chairmen “for scientists to openly support cryogenic Reports, which over the next 18 months would of the exhibits to set up a table alongside interment [human cryopreservation]. This eclipse Cooper’s Freeze-Wait-Reanimate as the the commercial exhibits [by prominent will greatly stimulate public demand, and leading publication in the field. To achieve a manufacturers of cryogenic equipment]. influence businessmen favorably. As more more professional look the editor, Saul Kent, After 15 minutes of distributing our people are cryogenically interred, the pace of typed each article twice over, the second time literature, Dr. Arthur Pappas, the co- scientific research necessary for resuscitation adding extra spaces to create a master with chairman of the entire conference, decided will be accelerated. What is there to lose? – even right margins.[1] Saul in fact deserves not to let us continue our display. When certainly nothing more valuable than life.”[4] much credit as a driving force behind the Mr. Kent asked him why, he explained that Not all reputable scientists were hostile New York group and most of what is they did not feel that the purpose of our however. It helped if cryonicists could offer reported here comes from the newsletter and Society was in keeping with the scientific at least some token financial support, which appears to be written by him (unless noted nature of the conference.”[3] CSNY was prepared to do. “The possibility otherwise). The first issue notes efforts to An editorial by Saul Kent cites two reasons of reanimation is based on our hopes for arrange for cryopreservation services. Land for opposition from scientists. First, human scientific progress,” writes Saul Kent in an for a facility to store cryopreserved patients cryopreservation is seen as “premature entry in the newsletter feature “Cryonics is being sought, and a letter is being sent to in its development” and something that Log” dated August 24, 1966. “We must,

14 Cryonics / June 2013 www.alcor.org was strong and benefitting from developing technology,[11] which, among other things, would feedback into scientific research on many fronts. The heady optimism inspired a 1967 book, The Year 2000: a Framework for Speculation on the Next Thirty-Three Years, by Herman Kahn and Anthony J. Wiener.[12] Excerpts of a preliminary draft are quoted in Cryonics Reports. The book included a listing of 100 “very probable” technical innovations which were expected to occur by the year 2000. Heading the list were: (1) multiple applications of lasers; (2) extreme high-strength structural materials; and (3) new or improved superperformance fabrics. [13] (Arguably all had been well-realized by the stated date.) These and others of the “100” are not listed in the Cryonics Reports Cryonics Reports no. 1, cover and first page. summary, however, but instead 25 others that were “of greater interest,” though judged in the book as only “less likely, but important therefore, encourage it in every way possible. and medicine. This inter-disciplinary possibilities.” Among these were: suspended We intend to allot a certain percentage of approach offers the greatest hope for future animation (for years or centuries); “true” our budget for contributions to scientific success.”[7] artificial intelligence; and verification of research.” In fact this had already occurred. Over the next year and a half Karow some extrasensory phenomena. In addition The same log entry, preceding paragraph, would contribute many other columns, all ten other “far out” possibilities are included, records: “We made our first contribution under the heading Scientifically Speaking, such as life expectancy extended to more to scientific research in Cryobiology. A detailing other matters in cryobiology and than 150 years and creation of artificial live check for $100 was sent to Interscience biology more generally. In one he comments plants or animals.[14] None of these more Research, a non-profit, independent group on the freezing of Dr. James Bedford that speculative possibilities have been more of scientists working in Jackson Mississippi. happened in January 1967 (in California). than marginally realized (cryonics might in Their research director, Armand Karow, “Dying of cancer, he desired and provided for fact prove to be “” but Jr., is writing an article for Cryonics Reports, his cryonic suspension. Showing even greater this is unverified). It has to be concluded which will be a comprehensive coverage foresight, he went one step further, and that the optimism of the cryonicists was of the work on organ and whole animal endowed a foundation to support research overblown and unwarranted, though it is to preservation.”[5] (Karow, a young college in cryobiology.” (This was the Bedford their credit, as we in cryonics would say, that graduate who would soon obtain his Foundation, unfortunately to be bankrupted their dream of life extension by cryonics doctorate and in 1968 join the faculty of the in a legal battle over the Bedford will, so that was doggedly pursued. Medical College of Georgia, would go on it actually would have little effect, though Going back a bit, in November 1966 Saul to a distinguished career in cryobiology but Bedford remained frozen.[8]) “Whether it Kent wrote an article, “Enlist Now in the distance himself from cryonics under peer will be possible to restore Dr. Bedford to life pressure. He died in 2007, aged 65.)[6] cannot be predicted. However, by his act, he In November the article by Karow, has definitely improved the chances of those “The Freeze Preservation of Organs who will be frozen in the future.”[9] and Animals,” appeared. Some six pages With cautious scientific endorsement of closely printed text including nearly a such as this, cryonics gained a foothold of page of references, it sketches the history respectability—or so it seemed. Proponents of cryobiology, discusses difficulties and might place it among other phenomena of recent research, and recounts successes such the times that pointed to an unprecedented, as the resuscitation of dog kidneys after technology-enhanced future. Indeed, brief storage at 20°C. Finally, it offers an exciting things were happening: space optimistic forecast. “The results achieved exploration, computers, and human organ to date will encourage new research. The transplants, to name a few of the most field of cryobiology is in need of vigorous, prominent. The mysteries of DNA were imaginative, and creative thinking from being unraveled,[10] pointing toward a more individuals in many disciplines including general control of and enhancement of Armand Karow, 1962 yearbook biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, human biology. The American economy photo, Duke University.

www.alcor.org Cryonics / June 2013 15 printed in a volume of nearly 100 pages.[19] A full summary is not possible here, but one item that stands out is a talk by Rev. Kay M. Glaesner, Jr., “The Extension of Life – a Spiritual Goal.” Grandly and piously Rev. Glaesner concludes: “… advancement in any area of scientific research, including the cryonic treatment of the human body or any part thereof, does not negate the sanctity of man nor the ultimate purpose of God. If we discover laws for extending life, we are only the recipients of divine revelation. Life is still spiritual and eternal. The processes that evolve this aspect of man’s existence are indicative of spiritual forces uniting man and nature.”[20] Saul Kent’s closing line in the Introduction is more prosaic but also pertinent: “Our goal is the indefinite extension of our lives under increasingly better conditions. Cryonics is the first realistic Saul Kent’s article in Cavalier. step in this direction.”[21] Today we still want to extend our lives, War on Death,” that would be published in the First Annual Cryonics Conference, it radically, through a scientific process, and the March 1967 men’s magazine Cavalier. It covered four broad categories: (1) cryonic we see cryonics as a means to proceed offers a survey of the cryonics movement suspension techniques, (2) cryonics and immediately in that direction, even if the as it then existed (with only one person society, (3) research and future technology, outcome is unknown. Most of the world frozen, a woman who preceded Bedford,[15] and (4) legal and financial problems.[18] has not accepted this “gospel” but we but plenty of other activity) and an appeal Afterward the conference proceedings were keep trying.  for involvement by the general public. One References forceful paragraph gives the general tone. “The proposal to freeze people at death is [1] Saul Kent, private communication about Next Thirty-Three Years, New YorkL Macmillan, the first step in the most profound revolution 1990. 1967. of all time. It is a direct, radical break with [2] Cryonics Reports 1(1) 1-2 (Jun. 1966). [13] See, for example, http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Herman_Kahn, accessed 23 Apr. the past. Death has always dominated human [3] Cryonics Reports 1(3) 1 (Aug. 1966). existence by setting conditions and imposing 2013. [4] Ibid., 3. insuperable limitations over man. If death is [14] Cryonics Reports 2(8) 4-5 (Aug. 1967). [5] Cryonics Reports 1(4) 5 (Sep. 1966). no longer inevitable, it signifies the beginning [15] The best available report on the first of a new concept of existence—of a new [6] See, for example, http://www. freezing is Ted Kraver, “Notes on the First species—one that will very quickly come to xytexinternational.com/keypersonnel/karow. Human Freezing,” Cryonics 10(3), 11-21 regard the entire history of man as a tortured, cfm, accessed 24 Apr. 2013. (Mar. 1989). The freezing occurred 22 primitive step in its development.”[16] In [7] Cryonics Reports 1(6) 8 (Nov. 1966). Apr. 1966. The woman was removed from other places practical matters are considered; cryopreservation by early 1967; see Freeze-Wait- [8] Alcor Foundation has archival documents Reanimate, 3(32) 6 (Feb. 1967). it is estimated that around $10,000 (about relating to the Bedford case. (James Bedford is $70,000 today[17]) should suffice for now stored at Alcor.) [16] Saul Kent, “Enlist Now in the War on perpetual, whole-body cryogenic storage, Death,” Cavalier 17 (5), 36-38; 76-78 (March [9] Cryonics Reports 2(6) 3 (Jun. 1967). including initial preparation. Here I cannot 1967); quote is from p. 76. Completion of the do justice to the full article which occupies [10] A brief historical survey of DNA article Nov. 12 was noted in Cryonics Reports 1(7) 2 (Dec. 1966). several finely-printed, triple-column pages but research, including work in the 1960s, will be found at http://www.accessexcellence.org/ note that with space in a major publication [17] Using the inflation calculator at http:// RC/AB/BC/Search_for_DNA.php, accessed www.usinflationcalculator.com/ (accessed 23 cryonics was being taken seriously, at least as 23 Apr. 2013. a topic that could spark reader interest and Apr. 2013), starting with $10,000, 1967-2013. generate sales. [11] A brief historical survey of the U. S. [18] Cryonics Reports 3(2) 21-23 (Feb. 1968). economy, 1950-1975, including events in the In what was possibly the high-water 1960s, will be found at http://elcoushistory. [19] Saul Kent, ed., First Annual Cryonics mark of New York cryonics of this period, tripod.com/economics1960.html, accessed 23 Conference, New York: Cryonics Society of a conference was held in March 1968 at Apr. 2013. New York, 1968. the New York Academy of Sciences, 2 E. [12] Herman Kahn and Anthony J. Wiener, [20] Ibid., 21. 63rd St., New York City. Announced as The Year 2000: a Framework for Speculation on the [21] Ibid., iii.

16 Cryonics / June 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.

Here are some of the classic articles that shaped cryonics thought and Alcor policy over the past three decades.

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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www.alcor.org Cryonics / June 2013 17 Bring in a new member and we will credit your membership dues By Max More, Ph.D.

embership growth has slowed I believe, move us into a virtuous circle For an existing member to receive the to a crawl. This is unfortunate where growth enables reductions in dues dues waiver, they must (a) be credited by the Mbecause Alcor has reached a which further spurs membership growth. person who has signed up; (b) ask for the point where we could enjoy considerable The most effective way to bring in waiver; (c) not be otherwise profiting from economies of scale: We could manage new members has been through direct the signup; (d) wait until the new member many more members with minimal or encouragement by existing members. Many has completed all essential paperwork and no increase in staffing costs. That would of us realize this, but may not make it a has paid at least six months of dues. If the enable us to reduce membership dues priority to nudge our friends a little more to member signs up two new members, they are while building up our resources. A modest sign up and potentially save their lives. eligible for a two-year waiver of dues. If the acceleration in membership growth would, How can we spur more members to gently new member is a student or family member, persuade those they care about to move the existing member is eligible for a waiver of ahead with making cryonics arrangements? six months of dues. Perhaps some financial incentive will help. At Who do you know who could do with the April 6, 2013 board meeting, I proposed some encouraging to sign up? Please, give it that anyone who is primarily responsible some thought, then help yourself and help for getting a new member to sign up will, at the organization by helping to stimulate their request, be given a one-year waiver of membership growth.  membership dues. The board approved this proposal.

Discuss Alcor and cryonics topics with other members and Alcor officials.

• The Alcor Foundation • Financial • Cell Repair Technologies • Rejuvenation • Cryobiology • Stabilization • Events and Meetings

Other features include pseudonyms (pending verification of membership status) and a private forum.

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18 Cryonics / June 2013 www.alcor.org Tech News Reported by R. Michael Perry

Peering into Living Cells at the University of California, San Diego from another body?” The answer, he said, Nanoscale without Chemicals bioengineers have demonstrated in a study was yes. He and other scientists at Duke, in pigs that a new injectable hydrogel can and in Brazil, published the results of the Two young EPFL scientists have developed repair damage from heart attacks, help the experiment in the journal Scientific Reports. a device that can create 3D images of heart grow new tissue and blood vessels The work received mixed reviews from living cells and track their reaction to and get the heart moving closer to how a other scientists, ranging from “amazing” to various stimuli without the use of contrast healthy heart should. The results of the “very simplistic.” Much of Dr. Nicolelis’s dyes or fluorophores. In the world study were published Feb. 20 in Science work is directed toward creating a full of microscopy, this advance is almost Translational Medicine and clear the way for exoskeleton that a paralyzed person could comparable to the leap from photography clinical trials to begin this year in Europe. operate with brain signals. to live television. Researchers Yann Cotte The gel is injected through a catheter and Fatih Toy have designed a device that without requiring surgery or general James Gorman / New York Times combines holographic microscopy and anesthesia—a less invasive procedure for 28 Feb. 2013 computational image processing to observe patients. There are an estimated 785,000 http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/01/ living biological tissues at the nanoscale. new heart attack cases in the United States science/new-research-suggests-two-rat- Their research is being done under the each year, with no established treatment for brains-can-be-linked.html supervision of Christian Depeursinge, head repairing the resulting damage to cardiac of the Microvision and Microdiagnostics tissue. Lead researcher Karen Christman Group in EPFL’s School of Engineering. said the gel forms a scaffold in damaged Protein “Filmed” While Using their setup, three-dimensional images areas of the heart, encouraging new cell Unfolding at Atomic Resolution of living cells can be obtained in just a growth and repair. Because the gel is made few minutes – instantaneous operation is from heart tissue taken from pigs, the When proteins get “out of shape,” the still in the works – at an incredibly precise damaged heart responds positively, creating consequences can be fatal. They lose their resolution of less than 100 nanometers, a harmonious environment for rebuilding, function and in some cases form insoluble, 1000 times smaller than the diameter of rather than setting off a chain of adverse toxic clumps that damage other cells and can a human hair. And because they’re able immune system defenses. cause severe diseases such as Alzheimer’s or to do this without using contrast dyes Parkinson’s. Researchers at the Max Planck or fluorescents, the experimental results Becky Ham / UC San Diego Institute for Biophysical Chemistry and don’t run the risk of being distorted by 20 Feb. 2013 the German Center for Neurodegenerative the presence of foreign substances. Being http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/ Diseases in Göttingen—in collaboration able to capture a living cell from every new_injectable_hydrogel_encourages_ with Polish colleagues – have now “filmed” angle like this lays the groundwork for a regeneration_and_improves_functionality how a protein gradually unfolds for the first whole new field of investigation. “We can time. By combining low temperatures and observe in real time the reaction of a cell NMR spectroscopy, the scientists visualized that is subjected to any kind of stimulus,” In a First, Experiment Links seven intermediate forms of the CylR2 explains Cotte. “This opens up all kinds Brains of Two Rats protein while cooling it down from 25°C of new opportunities, such as studying the to –16°C. Their results show that the most effects of pharmaceutical substances at the In an experiment that sounds straight unstable intermediate form plays a key role scale of the individual cell, for example.” out of a science fiction movie, a Duke in protein folding. The scientists’ findings neuroscientist has connected the brains may contribute to a better understanding EPFL of two rats in such a way that when one of how proteins adopt their structure and 11 Feb. 2013 moves to press a lever, the other one does, misfold during illness. (Nature Chemical http://actu.epfl.ch/news/ too—most of the time. The neuroscientist, Biology, 10 February 2013). peering-into-living-cells/ Miguel Nicolelis, known for successfully demonstrating brain-machine connections, Max Planck Institute for like the one in which a monkey controlled Biophysical Chemistry New Injectable Hydrogel a robotic arm with its thoughts, said this 11 Feb. 2013 Promotes Healing and was the first time one animal’s brain had http://www.mpibpc.mpg.de/ been linked to another. The question, 9606319/pr_1302 Recovery after Heart Attack he said, was: “Could we fool the brain? Could we make the brain process signals

www.alcor.org Cryonics / June 2013 19 Membership Statistics

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

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 20 www.alcor.org VASculAr BENEFITS OF A Mediterranean Diet VAlIDATED IN HugE NEw STuDy

A large, rigorous study published in the New England Super Omega-3 with SeSame LignanS Journal of Medicine confirmed the health benefits of and OLive Fruit extract those who switch to a mediterranean diet rich in To ensure the purest, most stable, and easy-to-tolerate omega-3 fish oil as well as protective nutrients called fish oil, Super Omega-3 epa-dha is molecularly distilled. It polyphenols found in olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts like enjoys the highest 5-star rating for purity, quality, and walnuts, and wine.1 The study ended early because the concentration from the renowned International Fish Oil benefits were so overwhelming, with startling benefits for Standards program.6 The sesame lignans not only direct vascular health, that it was considered unethical to the omega-3s toward more effective pathways in the body, continue to deprive the control group.1 but guard the delicate fish oil from oxidation.2,7 In addition to the health-promoting benefits of vegeta- A bottle containing 120 softgels of Super Omega-3 epa/ bles and fruits with their abundance of polyphenol nutri- dha with Sesame Lignans and Olive Fruit extract retails ents, the Mediterranean Diet group took at least 4 table- for $32. If a member buys four bottles, the price is reduced spoons of polyphenol-rich extra-virgin olive oil a day.1 to $21 per bottle. If 10 bottles are purchased, the cost is $18.68 per bottle. (Item #01482) LiFe extenSiOn® memberS LOng agO beneFited Starting in 2005, Life Extension members began taking a supplement (Super Omega-3) that provided potent concentrations of fish oil and olive polyphenols like hydro- The daily dose (four regular size softgels) of Super xytyrosol and oleuropein. This supplement also provided Omega-3 EPA /DHA with Sesame Lignans & Olive Fruit standardized sesame lignans to support the beneficial Extract provides: effect of omega-3 fatty acids in the body.2 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) 1,400 mg Olive oil contains polyphenol nutrients that have demon- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) 1,000 mg 3-5 strated wide-ranging health benefits. The recommended Olive Fruit Extract 600 mg twice daily dose of Super Omega-3 supplies a similar [std. to 6.5% polyphenols (39 mg), polyphenol content to that found in 4 to 6 tablespoons 1.73% hydroxytyrosol/tyrosol (10.4 mg), 0.5% verbascoside/oleuropein (3 mg)] of olive oil. Sesame Seed Lignan Extract 20 mg Item #01482 References # 01482 Item 1. N Engl J Med. 2013 Feb 25. 5. Med Glas (Zenica). 2012 Feb;9(1):1-9. 2. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2007;47(7):651-73. 6. Available at: http://www.ifosprogram.com/ 3. Altern Med Rev. 2007 Dec;12(4):331-42. consumer-reports.aspx. Accessed March 18, 2013. To order the most advanced 4. Curr Top Med Chem. 2011;11(14):1767-79. 7. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2003 Aug;49(4):270-6. fish oil supplement, Super Omega-3 EPA/DHA with CAUTION: If you are taking anti-coagulant or anti-platelet medications, or have a bleeding disorder, consult your healthcare provider before taking this product. Sesame Lignans and Olive Fruit Extract (with or without Supportive but not conclusive evidence shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary enteric coating), call 1-800-544-4440 or heart disease. IFOS™ certification mark is a registered trademark of Nutrasource Diagnostics, Inc. These products have been tested to the quality and purity standards of the IFOS™ program conducted at Nutrasource Diagnostics, Inc. visit www.LifeExtension.com

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

LEMJUN13p.indd 25 4/17/13 4:20 PM MEETINGS

About the Alcor Foundation For information about upcoming The Alcor Life Extension Foundation is a nonprofit tax-exempt scientific and meetings and events go to: http://www. educational organization dedicated to advancing the science of cryopreservation facebook.com/cryonics.northwest and promoting cryonics as a rational option. Being an Alcor member means A Yahoo mailing list is also maintained knowing that—should the worst happen—Alcor’s Emergency Response Team is for cryonicists in the Pacific Northwest ready to respond for you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ CryonicsNW/. Alcor’s Emergency Response capability includes specially trained technicians and customized equipment in Arizona, northern California, southern California, and British Columbia (Canada): south Florida, as well as many additional certified technicians on-call around the The contact person for meetings in United States. Alcor’s Arizona facility includes a full-time staff, and the Patient the Vancouver area is Keegan Macintosh: Care Bay is personally monitored 24 hours a day. [email protected]

ARIZONA (310) 822-4533 or e-mail him at peter@ Oregon: Flagstaff: optimal.org. Although monthly meetings The contact person for meetings in the Arizona without the inferno. Cryonics are not held regularly, you can meet Los Portland area is Chana de Wolf: chana. group in beautiful, high-altitude Flagstaff. Angeles Alcor members by contacting Peter. [email protected] Two-hour drive to Alcor. Contact eric@ flagstaffcryo.com for more information. San Francisco Bay: ALCOR PORTUGAL Alcor Northern California Meetings are Alcor Portugal is working to have good Scottsdale: held quarterly in January, April, July, and stabilization and transport capabilities. The This group meets the third Friday of October. A CryoFeast is held once a year. group meets every Saturday for two hours. each month and gatherings are hosted at For information on Northern California For information about meetings, contact a home near Alcor. To RSVP, visit http:// meetings, call Mark Galeck at (408) 245- Nuno Martins at n-martins@n-martins. cryonics.meetup.com/45/. 4928 or email [email protected]. com. The Alcor Portugal website is: www. alcorportugal.com. At Alcor: FLORIDA Alcor Board of Directors Meetings and Central Florida Life Extension group TEXAS Facility Tours — Alcor business meetings meets once a month in the Tampa Bay Dallas: are generally held on the first Saturday of area (Tampa and St. Petersburg) for North Texas Cryonauts, please sign up every month starting at 11:00 AM MST. discussion and socializing. The group for our announcements list for meetings Guests are welcome to attend the fully- has been active since 2007. Email (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ public board meetings on odd-numbered [email protected] for more cryonauts-announce) or contact David months. Facility tours are held every information. Wallace Croft at (214) 636-3790 for details Tuesday and Friday at 2:00 PM. For more of upcoming meetings. information or to schedule a tour, call Marji NEW ENGLAND Klima at (877) 462-5267 x101 or email Cambridge: Austin/Central Texas: [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.

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!

22 Cryonics / June 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!

And the Life Extension Foundation can be your passport to • Disease Prevention and Treatment book ($49.95 the future. As the largest anti-aging organization in the world, cover price)...this hardbound fourth edition provides novel we are dedicated to finding scientific ways to prevent disease, information on complementary therapies for 133 diseases slow aging, and eventually stop death. and illnesses—from Alzheimer’s disease to cancer, from arthritis to heart disease—that is based on thousands of For more than three decades, Life Extension has been at the scientific studies. forefront of the movement to support revolutionary anti-aging research that is taking us closer to our goal of extending the healthy Life Extension Foundation funds advanced vitrification and human life span indefinitely. We inform our members about path- gene-chip research. Your $75 membership fee helps support breaking therapies to help keep them healthy and alive. scientific projects that could literally save your life.

Join today and you’ll receive these life-prolonging benefits:

• A subscription to Life Extension magazine ($59.88 yearly newsstand value)...Over 100 full-color pages every month are filled with medical research findings, scientific reports, and practical guidance about using diet, nutrients, hormones, and drugs to prevent disease and slow aging.

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

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