ScienceStuff Can You Survive Being Cryogenically Frozen?
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Mar 26, 2025 Join Don Larson, an assistant professor at the University of Alaska, and James Arrowood, CEO of Alcor Life Extension Foundation, as they dive into the intriguing world of cryonics. Discover how wood frogs survive freezing temperatures using natural antifreeze, and explore the implications of these survival strategies for human cryonics. The conversation unpacks the scientific and ethical challenges of preserving human brains and organs, along with the costs and complexities of the cryogenic process. Fascinating insights await!
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Freezing Cells
- Cells don't burst when frozen, they dehydrate.
- Ice forms between cells, pushing out salts and causing cell shrinkage.
Wood Frog Survival
- Wood frogs can survive being 70% frozen for up to seven months.
- Dr. Larson's experiment disproved earlier beliefs about their freezing tolerance.
Frog Antifreeze
- Wood frogs use glucose as antifreeze, filling their cells with sugar.
- This high sugar concentration prevents cell dehydration from surrounding ice.