X-Message-Number: 13792
Date: Fri, 26 May 2000 15:01:37
From: "Henry R. Hirsch" <>
Subject: A Major Step toward Vitrification

Vitrification is a process by which a specimen is cooled to low
temperatures without the formation of ice crystals that are injurious to
biological membranes. Successful tissue vitrification would significantly
improve the chances of reanimation from cryonic suspension. A major step
toward this goal has recently been described in the paper "Effects of
Solute Methoxylation on Glass-Forming Ability and Stability of
Vitrification Solutions" by Brian Wowk, Michael Darwin, Steven B. Harris,
Sandra R. Russell, and Christopher M. Rasch of 21st Century Medicine. The
paper appears in Cryobiology, vol 39, pages 215-227 (1999).

The effects of replacing hydroxyl (OH) groups with methoxyl (OCH3) groups
in various cryoprotectant agents are investigated by the authors. Great
improvements in critical cooling and warming rates and in viscosity are
reported.

I draw the attention of Cryonet readers to this paper not only for its
scientific content but because it appears in a widely circulated
"mainstream" scientific journal that is not devoted to - indeed may to some
extent be hostile to - cryonics. The authors are to be congratulated by the
cryonics community.
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Henry R. Hirsch                      
Department of Physiology                   Phone: (859)323-5438
MS508 Chandler Medical Center              Fax:   (859)323-1070
University of Kentucky                     E-Mail: 
Lexington, KY 40536-0298
USA

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