Honey, I shrunk the brain
Scientists take the closest look yet at what happens when you freeze a brain.
Deep Dive
A new paper provides the most detailed analysis of brain tissue preserved through vitrification, a freezing method that prevents ice crystals. The process uses strong chemicals that cause the brain to shrink by over 50% as water is pulled out. Researchers used rabbit brains to examine if the nanoscale connections between neurons, which store memories, remain intact despite this severe dehydration and structural change.
Why It Matters
This research is crucial for evaluating the feasibility of long-term brain preservation for future revival.