X-Message-Number: 486 From: Brown/Fahy Subject: Re: Funding Cryonics Research Date: 2 Oct 1991 Subject: Re: Funding Cryonics Research Greg Fahy relayed to me a few comments about Thomas Donaldson's messages on funding cryonics research. Of course, any typos, etc. are mine. Kevin Q. Brown UUCP ...att!whscad1!kqb INTERNET COMPUSERVE >INTERNET: ----- I feel I should correct or clarify or expand upon a few points Thomas made, though these points don't matter much vis a vis the main points Thomas is trying to communicate. 1. I think Thomas' shock at the stark images I projected may have caused him to exaggerate the damage even beyond what it really is. It may be an exaggeration to say that ice causes "an almost universal cutoff of connections between individual neurons." It is certainly not true that "the effect of ice crystallization is to tear or cut most or even all of the nerve connections." However, the results do support the idea that connectivity is only preserved within localized areas, with more distant areas being cut off from each other. It may also be significant that my freezing techniques probably provided MORE protection than currently used methods. 2. With respect to my work on vitrification, the following corrections apply. a) The vitrification solution is not glycerol and propylene glycol, but DMSO, formamide, and propylene glycol. b) The initial experiments got 33% of the kidneys to support life. Later experiments have allowed 100% of the kidneys perfused with vitrifiable solutions to support life. These kidneys resume and maintain 100% of normal function indefinitely and show completely normal micro- and macroscopic structure when examined 2-3 months after transplantation. 3. With respect to funding research at the Red Cross: a) The estimate of $15,000 was Mike Darwin's, not mine. I have not had a chance to carefully estimate the cost of the research. This depends a lot on the politics of doing the research, and the political situation is not yet fully clarified. Potential contributors should consult Alcor to determine the final outcome of the political maneuverings. b) I may or may not be able to work out a technique for vitrifying the brain, but I can certainly reduce ice growth enough to preclude structural damage, which would be good enough. c) I can't promise to do any viability studies, only structural studies for the time being. d) Tom's figure of $2,000 being raised pertains only to the $100/plate revenues. Three specific individuals in attendance contributed way over and beyond this per plate charge. Most of the money raised was designated for research on fracture prevention at Alcor. I think a total of 20 people attended the dinner. ----- Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=486