NEWS & VIEWS

NEW CRYOSTAT DELIVERED

In the last issue we reported that CI had ordered a new cryostat. In the 2nd week of May it was delivered. Andy Zawacki reports that in a preliminary inspection, it "looked good"

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ANOTHER PATIENT

Cryonics Institute has its 48th human patient, this one in cooperation with the American Cryonics Society. Publication of additional information at this time has not been authorized.

CI RESEARCH FORGES AHEAD

Dr. Yuri Pichugin's vitrification research continues gradually to yield new information and improved results. In recent work he has been able to keep brain slices at dry ice temperature for 48 hours, with viability as good as before cooling, namely, around 75% by the potassium/sodium criterion.

Also, two liters of the latest vitrification mixture was kept at dry ice temperature for 72 hours, with no ice crystallization.

So, according to all the results it is possible to keep a patient’s body at dry ice temperature at least for 48 hours without ice crystallization and without reduction of tissue viability.

Additional information has also been obtained pertaining to the rate of absorption of the vitrification mixture.

Work with whole animals has yet to begin.

Further information about CI's research effort, and how you can help contribute to the effort, may be found on the CI web site at: www.cryonics.org/research.html.

Cryosummit Postponed

It was revealed earlier this month on Cryonet that Alcor President Dr. Jerry Lemler has been diagnosed with cancer. The entire cryonics community met the news with great regret, all of who have noted with respect and admiration Dr. Lemler's exemplary leadership of Alcor, and many substantive contributions to the cause of cryonics.

Dr. Lemler's presence at last year's Cryosummit was one of the high points of that historic meeting. But in light of the current situation, it was felt that the need to place the burden of additional travel and discussions on Dr. Lemler and his family and associates was not warranted, and so the plans for a second Cryosummit in June of this year have been -- for the moment -- postponed.

CI, its leadership, its staff, and its members, extend to Dr. Lemler and his family our full support and our very best wishes, and we sincerely hope that Dr. Lemler has a quick, full, and speedy recovery.