X-Message-Number: 29817
References: <>
From: David Stodolsky <>
Subject: Re: suspension limit
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2007 19:49:48 +0200

On 3 Sep 2007, at 05:24, Chris Manning wrote:

> I am not a scientist and I have no idea why quantum effects might be
> relevant to the reversibility of cryonic suspension. Perhaps this is
> something that David Stodolsky could comment on.

For larger objects, this is unlikely to be a problem unless we are  
talking about billions of years (but I switched out of physics after  
a year ; -). Cosmic rays and natural background radiation damage is  
much more of a problem and that only becomes a problem when we get to  
a hundred thousand years or so.


>
> My guess for what it's worth is that if cryonics fails, it won't be  
> for
> medical or scientific reasons, but social or political ones. The  
> relevant
> organisations will have to operate continuously, and maintain their  
> patients
> continuously at liquid nitrogen temperature, for decades or  
> centuries. Is
> that realistically achievable?
>
> Also, I think we should be prepared for the possibility of  
> opposition or
> worse from religious fundamentalists who would see cryonics as  
> being in
> defiance of the will of God. I am a little surprised that this has not
> already happened.

This is the problem that the community continues to ignore, even  
after the Dora Kent case and the more recent political attacks. I  
don't think patients can be secure, unless there are facilities in at  
least two countries. That would at least give the option of moving on  
short notice. Unfortunately, I have yet to find financial support for  
doing anything along these lines.


dss


David Stodolsky    Skype: davidstodolsky

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