The use of artificial hibernation to save lives: how to disable a person

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Biomedical scientist Mark Roth of the Institute of Cancer Research them. Fred Hutchinson in Seattle working on the process of & quot; artificial hibernation & quot; (Suspended animation). In his view, the suspension or slowing down of all the vital processes of the body can help save lives in an emergency such as a heart attack. Also, this technique can reduce the side effects of radiation therapy of tumors.

It all started with caves in Mexico, which are known for their natural sources of hydrogen sulfide. Cavers, explore caves, under the influence of the substance lost consciousness and remained in that state until they were handed down to fresh air. Learning of this, Roth began to study the impact of gas in laboratory mice. It was found that when exposed to a certain concentration of the gas in a controlled mouse fell asleep, from which then exits without any adverse impact on the organism.

In 2007, for his research in this area has received Roth стипендию MacArthur , which is also called "award for geniuses." He explains that the possibility of leaving the body into hibernation associated with the metabolism - how the body gets energy from food and oxygen. Slowing down the body's functions is possible if limit its need for oxygen. You can use the elementary reducing - substances that donates its electrons to other substances in the окислительно-восстановительных reactions . Hydrogen sulfide - is one of these reductants. On the one hand, this is a very toxic gas (about the same toxic as cyanide), on the other - in certain quantities it can be useful to physicians.

A heart attack artery clogged and do not let enough blood. When surgeons release this "plug" of oxygen consumption of cells increases dramatically (this effect is known as reperfusion injury ). Cells heart burn oxygen so quickly that die as a result. Here and can be useful artificial slowing of body functions - if the pre bring the patient into a state, and then do the operation, the effect of the injury can be minimized.

Since the beginning of their research Roth found several compounds that may help in achieving the goal. In addition to toxic hydrogen sulfide and bromide, he found that have similar properties and iodide, which in this case is much safer.

Now scientists are preparing to go to clinical trials of artificial hibernation in humans. According to estimates, about 10 years old technology can be brought to commercial application. A field of its use is not limited to the treatment of heart attacks. Perhaps it will be possible to use even for hibernation during long space flights.

Source: geektimes.ru/post/247770/

hibernation suspended animation