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Cryonic Breakthrough: Scientists Resurrect Frozen Human Brain Organoids

Cryonic Breakthrough: Scientists Resurrect Frozen Human Brain Organoids
Saturday 25 May 2024 - 08:55
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In a groundbreaking achievement that propels the realm of cryogenics from science fiction to reality, researchers at Fudan University in Shanghai have successfully revived frozen human brain tissues. Their remarkable feat, published in the esteemed journal Cell Reports Methods, unveils a tantalizing glimpse into the future of preserving and reviving biological specimens.

While the notion of freezing oneself for future resurrection has captivated the imaginations of pop culture icons like Britney Spears and the late baseball legend Ted Williams, these scientists have taken a significant stride toward actualizing this once-fanciful concept.

The key to their triumph lies in a meticulously crafted concoction dubbed "Medy," a quartet of ingredients comprising methylcellulose, ethylene glycol, DMSO, and Y27632. This intricate blend aids in maintaining cellular structure, shielding cells during freezing, and minimizing cell death, respectively.

A Groundbreaking Accomplishment with Vast Potential

During the freezing-thawing process, the organoids, intricate lab-grown brain tissues,were rapidly submerged in the Medy solution and frozen, before being gradually thawed to prevent damage. The results were nothing short of astonishing: the cells functioned as efficiently as their pre-frozen state, and the structural integrity of these miniature brains remained remarkably preserved.

This groundbreaking achievement holds the promise of conserving substantial resources by enabling the mass production of organoids in a single batch. The researchers envision the establishment of a brain organoid repository, facilitating in-depth investigations into neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.

Moreover, the preserved organoids could serve as reliable testing grounds for novel medications. In the long term, Medy's potential even extends to preparing brain tissue grafts to repair damage caused by injuries or illnesses. While it may be premature to speculate on the possibility of preserving an entire human body, this development is undoubtedly a cause for celebration among Star Wars enthusiasts and cryonics aficionados alike.