Cryogenic freezing of the body
Cryogenic freezing of the body is a potential method of achieving immortality. However, the brain tissue reacts negatively to subzero temperatures. Since brain cells consist of 80 percent water, ice crystals may occur during cryopreservation, damaging cells.
The essence of the experiment
Chinese experts have figured out how to freeze brain tissue harmlessly. For 21 days, they were engaged in growing brain cells in Petri dishes. Then the organoids were soaked in various mixtures and frozen in liquid nitrogen. The samples were then thawed for 14 days. During this period, experts tracked which ones were least damaged.
Results
As a result, experts were able to invent a mixture called MEDY. It consisted of ethylene glycol, Y27632, methylcellulose and dimethyl sulfoxide. As the tests demonstrated, thanks to this mixture, the tissue thawed without damage, and the neurons were able to send signals in the usual mode.
According to the researchers, by freezing organoids, it will be possible to preserve more tissues in order to test new medicines and treatments. However, experts doubt that thanks to MEDY it will be possible to keep a full-fledged organ frozen.