Neurosurgeons Are Weirdly Optimistic About Cryonics for Life Extension, Survey Finds
Gizmodo • • health
Key Points:
- A survey of over 300 physicians revealed that 27.9% believe cryonic preservation could plausibly lead to future patient revival, with neurosurgeons notably more optimistic, estimating a 72% median probability of success for whole brain preservation and revival.
- The overall medical community remains skeptical, with nearly half (47%) considering revival after cryonic preservation unlikely, reflecting unfamiliarity with modern preservation methods beyond traditional cryogenics.
- Most physicians (70.7%) support administering anticoagulants like heparin before death to improve preservation outcomes, while legalizing preservation procedures on consenting living patients remains contentious, with 44.3% in favor and 28.8% opposed.
- The study's authors are affiliated with cryonics organizations, but the respondents' low average revival success estimate (25.5%) suggests minimal bias in the findings regarding the technology’s feasibility.