BioFixation

Vision

BioFixation is an emerging organisation with the objective of developing technologies and infrastructures for the long-term preservation of the human mind, after the point of biological death. We firmly believe that in the coming centuries or millennia, advancements in neuroscience and neurotechnologies will enable (1) the retrieval of detailed structural information from preserved brains, (2) the computational deciphering of said information, and (3) the utilization of deciphered data for the reconstruction of an individual’s mind, whether in another biological substrate or a synthetic one.

To realize its objectives, BioFixation will enhance existing brain-preservation technologies utilizing room-temperature chemical fixatives and tissue embedding methods to preserve brain structures at the spatial resolution of individual proteins. The underlying premise is that protein-level resolution is adequate for capturing a person’s mind (see The Science of BioFixation). As the capability for information retrieval, deciphering, and mind reconstruction emerges – and it undoubtedly will – humanity will effectively have found a remedy for the long-standing “nuisance” of natural biological death.

Organizational structure

The organizational structure of BioFixation draws inspiration from solutions already implemented by cryonic organisations, which use cooling technologies for tissue preservation. However, since BioFixation does not rely on cryogenic approaches, it features a distinct organizational plan, scientific roadmap, and operational framework. A key departure from other organizations lies in our approach to risk management. We aim to protect BioFixation from the risks posed by sociopolitical fluctuations over long periods of time, common in our infantile societies. This is a crucial consideration, as we estimate that it could take centuries, if not millennia, for technologies to emerge for the reconstitution of the mind from a preserved brain. Within this extensive timeframe, we anticipate potential slowdowns and even transient regressions in scientific progress. Therefore, brain preservation solutions that depend explicitly on sociopolitical stability, such as those requiring periodic cryogenic agent refills or the integrity of traditional building structures, raise significant concerns for the long-term storage and preservation of neural structures.

In contrast, the biopreservation methodology favoured by BioFixation – chemically based – enables brain storage without the need for human supervision, maintenance, or support. For this, we plan to select long-term storage locations in remote areas, chosen to be minimally affected even by large-scale, possibly near-extinction events.

BioFixation’s main efforts

• R&D
• Legal matters

In R&D, three main themes have been identified:

1. Refinement of biopreservation methodologies for human-sized brains, based on chemical fixation and resin embedding methods (refer to The Science).
2. Construction, logistics, and engineering solutions for the long-term storage of preserved brains in remote locations. Construction and logistics encompass a range of solutions for establishing storage facilities in remote areas and transporting preserved brains to these facilities for long-term storage. These locations must be sufficiently remote and isolated to safeguard the integrity of preserved brains in the event of catastrophic events, whether natural or human-induced. Engineering solutions entail identifying suitable materials and devices to house preserved brains for extended periods, which are then stored in remote facilities.
3. Optimization of medical procedures to maintain the structural integrity of brains during collection for preservation procedures, such as improved ECMO-based interventions.

Legal matters are of paramount importance.

When an individual is declared dead, it is crucial that preservation procedures are carried out promptly to prevent significant damage to the brain’s structural integrity caused by natural bio-degradation processes. This presents significant legal challenges due to the myriad of laws and regulations governing access to (and interventions on) the bodies of individuals legally declared dead. Fortunately, Cryonics organizations in Continental Europe, US, China, Australia, etc., have already identified several effective solutions, which we intend to adopt and enhance.