Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Natural Gas to Offer Breakthrough in Suspended Animation?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the science-that-stinks dept.

Kingcanute writes "The BBC is reporting that American scientists are claiming that sewer gas may be successful at inducing suspended animation. The results were achieved using mice but further studies are needed" From the article: "The problem with hypothermia is it's not that easy to cool down the human body so if we can find another method to inhibit metabolism that would be very useful"

1 of 133 comments (clear)

  1. Re:"would be very useful" by Unequivocal · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The real appeal of this method of suspending animation is that it could be used in trauma cases. Assuming it actually works safely for humans (big if), this method is so easy that it could be applied in the field by paramedics. Someone with a massive heart attack or stroke could possibly be placed into suspended animation until they are in the right location for full diagnosis and treatment. Also, someone with critical organ failure could be suspended for a few days/weeks until the right organ turns up.

    I'm sure there will be plenty more reasons once/if the tech proves itself. New Scientist and Science News have been covering this possibility for some now, so this is only news right now if you don't follow the science trades.