Is it worth waiting for cryogenics

Essay by Anonymous UserHigh School, 10th gradeA+, May 1996

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Do an English Paper on a Biology topic and hand it in to two classes. Or just use this one. -

Imagine being frozen in time to escape a deadly illness, then getting warmed

when a cure is found. There is question on whether cryogenic methods should be

used. To fully understand cryogenics a knowledge of cold, background information on

some branches of cryogenics, some problems with cryopresevation, and different

peoples views towards cryogenics is needed.

"Cold is usually considered hostile to mankind. Most people hate cold and with

reasons." If not careful, cold can be deadly to animal and human life, but it can also

help cure, because cold bodies perform functions slower (Kavaler 16-17).

Measurement of temperature is extremely important in cryogenics and the temperatures

must be exact. The standard for scientific temperature measurement is the Kelvin

scale. On the Kelvin scale absolute zero has a value of zero degrees on the

thermometer. In theory no substance can be lowered to or below zero degrees Kelvin

or absolute zero. Temperatures in cryobiology range from zero degrees Celsius--water

freezes--to just above negative two hundred and seventy three point sixteen degrees

Celsius--absolute zero. The word "Cryogenics" comes from the Greek word "kryos"

meaning cold ("Cryogenics" Raintree 127, Kavaler 16). The science of cryobiology was

first recognized in the early nineteen sixties. Cryobiology is the study of the effects of

extremely low temperatures on living animals and plants. The chief concern in

cryobiology is to preserve living matter for future use. This method can also be called

cryopreservation. Cryotherapy is the use of extreme cold in treatment. The first trials

of cryotherapy proved with great results ("Cryobiology" Comptons 1, McGrady 97).

Frozen cells can be kept alive for very long periods of time in a state of

"suspended animation." Almost immediately...