The Case for Brain-Only Preservation
post by Mati_Roy (MathieuRoy) · 2023-04-20T22:01:43.457Z · LW · GW · 7 commentsThis is a link post for https://biostasis.substack.com/p/the-case-for-brain-only-preservation
This is a great compilation of the arguments for why cryonics service providers should offer a brain-only option.
Not mentioned in the article: Note that a brain-only option is also offered by OregonCryo and Cryonics Germany.
Summary of the linked post:
The main advantages are:
- Lower storage cost
- Easier emergency relocation (because of size and legal status)
- Lower "yuck" factor
- Compatible with organ donation
- Compatible with a burial ceremony
- Reduction of fracturing
- Permits emergency fixation (in case of ln2 delivery issues)
Related posts:
- #2: Neurocryopreservation vs whole-body preservation [LW · GW] (from the Cryonics Signup Guide [? · GW])
- Section "Higher packing densities" of The Allocation of Long Term Care Costs at Alcor
7 comments
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comment by avturchin · 2023-04-20T22:17:53.985Z · LW(p) · GW(p)
Also, legally in some jurisdictions brain is not a body, as it doesn't have bones, but only a tissue sample.
Replies from: MathieuRoy↑ comment by Mati_Roy (MathieuRoy) · 2023-04-22T15:05:52.376Z · LW(p) · GW(p)
Right, that one is part of "Easier emergency relocation" (I just edited the summary to add it, but it's in the post), but maybe that legal status also has more advantages than just transport.
Replies from: avturchin↑ comment by avturchin · 2023-04-22T21:04:34.239Z · LW(p) · GW(p)
One more idea: swallow a drug which polymerizes at 20 C. If brain dies, it immediately gets plastinated from inside.
Replies from: MathieuRoy↑ comment by Mati_Roy (MathieuRoy) · 2023-04-23T03:51:31.216Z · LW(p) · GW(p)
wow, i like the creativity!
comment by Richard_Kennaway · 2023-04-22T22:03:14.335Z · LW(p) · GW(p)
An advantage related to compatibility with a funeral with the body on view is that it allows for covert brain extraction. The typical application might be where the subject's family is against the whole idea. But I'm more drawn to imagining a Mission Impossible-like plot where the brain of an important deceased politician must be retrieved for interrogation.
comment by joseph_c (cooljoseph1) · 2023-04-21T06:28:35.991Z · LW(p) · GW(p)
How much more advantageous would this be than a "head only" option? To get to the brain, wouldn't you have to cut open the head anyways?
Replies from: MathieuRoy↑ comment by Mati_Roy (MathieuRoy) · 2023-04-22T15:01:37.948Z · LW(p) · GW(p)
All the advantages listed in the post are advantages compared to preserving the skull along with the brain.
Advantages of leaving the brain in the skull:
- Additional protection provided by the skull
- Avoid delicate procedure of removing the brain
The post links to this Isolation of the Brain for Human Cryopreservation.
I was told by someone performing cryopreservations that you can remove the brain and just leave a scar at the top of the forehead hidden by hair.