The Prospects of Technology
Proton Freezing
We would like to introduce proton freezing as a cutting-edge freezing technology.
Proton freezing is a technology that uses magnets and electromagnetic waves to control the size of ice crystals formed in food while rapidly freezing it with cold air. In other words, it is like an upwar-compatible version of the air blasting method.
The main advantage is that the size of the ice crystals can be reduced compared to typical quick-freezing techniques. This allows for maximum quality to be maintained.
Refrigeration Technology for Regional Revitalization
With the development of the cold chain, quick freezing technology is now being used to promote towns. Local specialties can now be shipped to cities to promote their brands. Some of the hometown tax returns require freezing, and this is where quick freezing technology is used.
Quick freezing technology has continued to develop and has given rise to proton freezing technology. In addition to the cold food industry, quick freezing technology is also being used in various fields such as regional revitalization.
Quick freezing technology is also being used in the medical field.
Storage of Biological Tissue
Have you ever donated blood? With modern technology, it is not possible to produce artificial blood that has all the necessary functions. Still, there are times when blood is needed to treat patients. This is where our donated blood comes in handy.
Donated blood is stored by components (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma) at hospitals, blood centers, and other facilities. Plasma, in particular, must be stored at a temperature of -20℃ (-4℉) or lower, which is why quick-freezing technology is used.
Quick freezing technology is also used to store biological tissues such as heart valves, bones, and retinas. The frozen biological tissue is called a "homograft".
Furthermore, quick freezing technology is also used for the cryopreservation of fertilized eggs. However, since fertilized eggs contain a large number of lipids, there are many cases where fail. Further progress in freezing technology is demanded.
And vaccines for new COVID-19, iPS Cells, DNA, and anti-cancer drugs also need to be cryopreserved. Quick freezing technology is also playing an active role in cutting-edge fields.
Cryonics
Furthermore, Japan may be developing a human cryopreservation device that uses refrigeration!
| 1960s | The Alcor Life Extension Foundation in the U.S. begins research on cryopreservation of the human body. |
|---|---|
| 2017 | First cryopreservation of a human body takes place in China. |
| 2017 | American University confirms the revival of cryopreserved people at the cellular level. |
Some people may think that human cryopreservation technology has only been seen in the world of science fiction, but in fact, it is being developed in various countries.
Cryonics is the preservation of human bodies at cryogenic temperatures for the future resuscitation of patients who cannot be saved by modern medicine. In fact, the Alcor Life Extension Foundation in the U.S. has actually begun to use this method. However, there are still many challenges. In 2017, a university in the US confirmed the revival of cryopreserved people on a cellular level, but it will still take some time before the whole body is revived. There are a lot of ethical issues, so at this stage, it is still under development. However, in the future, patients may have the option of cryopreservation of the human body.
What are the main problems to be considered?
- The technology for cryopreservation of human bodies has not yet been perfected.
- Is it ethical to treat the human body as an object?
- Even if they could be revived in the future, there might not be any family register left.
According to the Japan Trans-Life Association, it is said that around the 2040s, we will be able to resuscitate people using human cryopreservation technology! There are no facilities in Japan yet, but services are offered to transport the bodies to Russia or the US for treatment.