Naked Science Season 3 Episode 12
Naked Science
Season 3

Ep 12. Freeze Me

  • September 20, 2006

Naked Science season 3 episode 12 titled "Freeze Me" delves into the fascinating science behind cryonics and the hopes of being able to revive the dead in the future. The episode explores the freezing techniques and technologies used to preserve human bodies, animals, and even plant life, with the ultimate goal of bringing them back to life at a later time.

The episode begins by exploring the idea of cryonics and its history. Cryonics is the practice of preserving human bodies in extremely cold temperatures in the hopes of being able to revive them in the future. The show explains that cryonics has its roots in the work of Robert Ettinger, who in 1962 published a book called The Prospect of Immortality, which outlined the possibility of using low-temperature storage to preserve human bodies and revive them at a later date.

The episode takes us through the process of cryonics in detail, beginning with the preparation of the body for preservation. The process involves first lowering the body temperature to around -130°C using a process called vitrification. Vitrification replaces the body's water with a special solution that prevents the body from freezing, which can cause damage to the cells.

Once the body is vitrified, it is then placed in a special container and lowered to an even colder temperature, usually around -196°C, which is achieved by using liquid nitrogen. The container is then stored in a special facility, where it is monitored 24/7 to ensure the temperature remains constant.

The episode also takes a look at the ethical and legal issues surrounding cryonics. While there are a number of people who are enthusiastic about the possibility of being brought back to life in the future, there are also many who are skeptical or outright opposed to cryonics. The show discusses some of the legal challenges involved in cryonics, such as the fact that in many countries, the practice is not recognized as a legitimate medical procedure.

The episode also explores some of the scientific challenges involved in cryonics. For example, one of the major challenges is the fact that freezing and thawing are not kind to the cells of the body. Cells can become damaged or completely destroyed during the process, making it difficult or even impossible to restore the person to life in the future.

The episode concludes with a look at some of the new technologies being developed to overcome these challenges. There are now a number of new techniques, such as neuro cryopreservation, which focuses on freezing just the brain, and the use of nanotechnology, which aims to repair cellular damage at the molecular level.

In conclusion, Naked Science season 3 episode 12, "Freeze Me" is a riveting exploration of the science behind cryonics and the possibility of reviving the dead in the future. The episode offers an in-depth look at the history and process of cryonics, as well as the ethical and legal challenges involved. The episode also provides a glimpse into the future of cryonics, highlighting some of the exciting new developments that are being made in the field.

Description
Watch Naked Science - Freeze Me (s3 e12) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Naked Science, Season 3 Episode 12, is available to watch and stream on National Geographic. You can also buy, rent Naked Science on demand at Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    September 20, 2006
  • Language
    English