Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman cover image

Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman

Ep32 "Is death reversible?"

Oct 30, 2023
Exploring the concept of reversing death and freezing bodies for future revival, the podcast delves into the challenges and ethical implications involved. The speakers discuss scientific advancements in the field, including research on cell functionality in pig brains and the potential for organ transplantation. They also touch on the history of brain death and the ongoing research in redefining death, raising questions about the ethical implications and the role of legislation and hospital ethics committees.
47:09

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Recent scientific studies have shown that it is possible to restore cellular function in dead pig brains, raising questions about the boundary between life and death and opening up new avenues for understanding death and potentially developing interventions for conditions like stroke.
  • Advances in our understanding of cellular processes have challenged traditional definitions of death, with observations that cells can repair and regain functionality after being considered dead, suggesting that death may not be an inevitable and final state.

Deep dives

Reversing Death: Exploring the Possibilities

Recent scientific studies have begun to explore the concept of reversing death, raising questions about the boundary between life and death. Researchers have shown that it is possible to restore cellular function in pig brains that have been dead for four hours by perfusing them with a solution containing a combination of drugs. These experiments have demonstrated that cells believed to be dead can regain functionality and exhibit normal cellular processes. While the technology is still in its early stages and limited to animal studies, it opens up new avenues for understanding death and potentially developing interventions for conditions like stroke. The ethical implications of reversing death are complex and will need careful consideration as the field progresses.

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