X-Message-Number: 3531
Date: Sat, 24 Dec 1994 16:35:04 -0500
From: "Keith F. Lynch" <>
Subject: Re: SCI.CRYONICS The Arrhenius equation is not relevant to cryonics

> In the cell there are inhibitors to fine tune every biological
> reaction. Thus if any reactions continue at low temperatures the
> inhibitors will still be there to controll the reactions.

Agreed.

> THUS THE ARRHENIUS EQUATION IS NOT RELEVANT AS A SIMPLE REACTION !

Yes it is relevant.  It doesn't just apply to simple reactions.

> What is relevant are chemicals released by bacteria, viruses, and
> fungi that are responsible for decomposition of organic material.

Organic material decomposes even without the actions of bacteria or
fungi.  Otherwise, food kept in sterile conditions could be stored at
room temperature indefinitely.  It can't.

Viruses have nothing to do with decomposition, as they can only infect
living cells.

> If possible patients should be radiated before freezing.

The radiation necessary to kill bacteria would also kill every cell
in the patient.  It's possible that nanotechnology could reverse this
radiation damage, but why take the chance?  Nothing is to be gained
by it, since bacteria, viruses, and fungi are completely inactive at
liquid nitrogen temperatures.

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