The thought of freezing a body so that it can be reanimated at a later date when technology can prolong life has long been a trope for science fiction writers while also intriguing scientist. But the freezing process has always been the insurmountable barrier since the damage done to cells, synaptic connections, and other vital parts of the body has made it impossible to ever be able to bring the body back to life. But a big step forward was recently made when the brain of a rabbit was successfully preserved without damage that is normally done by the development of tiny ice crystals. The use of antifreeze, of a type used by automobiles, prevented ice from forming and allowed the brain to become glass like and remain in a stable condition. Although this is only a small step towards genuine cryopreservation, it is key as it is the first time an entire brain has been preserved in such a perfect state.
See Nina Golgowski, Cryogenically Frozen Rabbit Brain Hailed As Scientific First, The Huffington Post, February 11, 2016.
