Cryosphere Podcast John Smart - Alternative Methods of Brain Preservation
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Mar 11, 2024 
Join futurist John Smart, co-founder of the Brain Preservation Foundation, as he explores cutting-edge brain preservation methods. He discusses Aldehyde Stabilized Cryopreservation (ASC) and the range of techniques, from cryogenic to non-cryogenic. John shares insights on revival scenarios and the philosophical implications of identity and memory. Delve into debates around cognitive diversity, preservation costs, and the societal value of returning preserved individuals. Plus, get his take on the ethics of copying consciousness and future AI alignment.
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Memory As The Tractable Preservation Target
- The Brain Preservation Foundation evaluates preservation methods by whether they retain neural pattern information for future inference.
- Memory and neural correlates of identity are the most tractable targets for validation today.
ASC Demonstrated Large-Brain Structural Preservation
- ASC (Aldehyde Stabilized Cryopreservation) fixed brains with aldehydes then cooled them, showing electron-microscope-level preservation.
- ASC won BPF prizes with rabbit and pig brains, proving large-brain structural preservation is feasible.
SWITCH Enables Whole‑Brain Fixation
- SWITCH protocol allows aldehyde diffusion throughout large brains by using low pH then raising pH to cross-link everywhere.
- That chemical control solves earlier diffusion and cracking issues in whole-brain fixation.
