TED-Ed: Can you freeze your body and come back to life? | Shannon N. Tessier

The video explores the concept of cryonics, which aims to preserve humans by freezing them until future technology can reverse death. It discusses the challenges of cryopreservation, including cellular damage from ice formation. The field of cryobiology studies these effects, and natural adaptations in animals offer insights. Vitrification is a promising technique to prevent ice but is difficult to achieve on a large scale. Current cryonic methods are unscientific and damaging, offering false hope. Ethical, legal, and social issues further complicate the potential revival of frozen individuals.

What is the primary goal of cryonics?

• To create new forms of life

• To preserve food for long periods

• To freeze humans for future revival

• To study the effects of cold on metals

What field of science studies the effects of low temperatures on living systems?

• Thermodynamics

• Biochemistry

• Cryogenics

• Cryobiology

What happens to a red blood cell when it is frozen without intervention?

• It multiplies rapidly

• It becomes stronger

• It changes color

• It forms ice crystals and gets damaged

Which animal adaptation is mentioned as a way to survive extreme cold?

• Hibernation in bears

• Antifreeze proteins in fish

• Thick fur in polar bears

• Migration in birds

What is vitrification in the context of cryopreservation?

• A way to increase cellular activity

• A process to dry out tissues

• A technique to prevent ice formation using chemicals

• A method to heat tissues rapidly

What is a major challenge in vitrifying complex living material?

• Finding enough space to store it

• Preventing ice formation and cracks during warming

• Ensuring it remains dry

• Keeping it in a liquid state

What is a significant concern regarding the future of cryonics?

• The high cost of freezing

• The need for more storage facilities

• The ethical and social implications

• The lack of interest from scientists