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{{SeeWikipedia|Cryonics}} | {{SeeWikipedia|Cryonics}} | ||
'''Cryonics''' is the science of preserving a [[human]] or other organism in stasis for extended periods of time. It is often mistaken for [[Wikipedia:Cryogenics#Definitions and distinctions|cryogenics]], which is merely the study of cold on materials. | |||
The goal of cryonics is to allow an individual to "sleep" through long intervals of time, without suffering the effects of biological aging, and then allow them to wake up again without ill effects. Cryonic suspension can reduce the human body's metabolism to near zero, thus preventing aging and eliminating the body's need for oxygen, food, and warmth. The UNSC uses [[Cryo chamber|cryonic storage pods]] in most warships, maintaining only skeleton crews until the vessel reaches their target zone.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]'''</ref> The majority of personnel are placed in cryonic suspension for long periods to prevent aging during the journey and to conserve onboard resources. | |||
Cryonic suspension can reduce the metabolism to near zero, thus preventing aging and eliminating the body's need for oxygen, food, and warmth. The UNSC uses [[Cryo chamber|cryonic storage pods]] in | |||
It is unknown whether the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] use a version of this technology. Given the dramatically higher speeds their warships can achieve, though, it is unlikely that it is necessary. The [[Forerunner]]s used a system similar in practice, but using [[slipstream space|slipspace]] to store the personnel within the pod instead of merely freezing them.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'''</ref> | It is unknown whether the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] use a version of this technology. Given the dramatically higher speeds their warships can achieve, though, it is unlikely that it is necessary. The [[Forerunner]]s used a system similar in practice, but using [[slipstream space|slipspace]] to store the personnel within the pod instead of merely freezing them.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'''</ref> | ||
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==Procedure== | ==Procedure== | ||
===Put-down cycle=== | ===Put-down cycle=== | ||
Individuals enter cryonic suspension without any clothing. This is because clothing tends to bond the skin at extremely low temperatures.<ref name="encyc1">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 216''</ref> Individuals who disregard this and enter cryo-sleep with clothing or bandages will often awake to find their skin blistered and raw.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 20''</ref> | Individuals enter cryonic suspension without any clothing. This is because clothing tends to bond to the skin at extremely low temperatures.<ref name="encyc1">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 216''</ref> Individuals who disregard this and enter cryo-sleep with clothing or bandages will often awake to find their skin blistered and raw.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 20''</ref> | ||
The "put-down" cycle takes [[seven]] minutes.<ref name="encyc1"/> During the first four minutes anesthetic gas causes the subject to become drowsy. Then another gas | The "put-down" cycle takes [[seven]] minutes.<ref name="encyc1"/> During the first four minutes anesthetic gas causes the subject to become drowsy. Then another gas reacts to form a [[bronchial surfactant]] when inhaled, coating the passages of the lungs to help ensure a smooth wake cycle. | ||
[[Cytoprethaline]], a drug used by the UNSC during cryo-sleep, prevents damage to the occupants cell membranes caused by ice crystal formation. It is recommended that a doctor administer the drug, but most of the time the shot is administered by a medic or by a pre-measured self-injector.<ref name="encyc1"/> | [[Cytoprethaline]], a drug used by the UNSC during cryo-sleep, prevents damage to the occupants' cell membranes caused by ice crystal formation. It is recommended that a doctor administer the drug, but most of the time the shot is administered by a medic or by a pre-measured self-injector.<ref name="encyc1"/> | ||
Once the subject is prepped, the chamber automatically proceeds to the freezing stage. The unit begins to rapidly cool the body and administers an electric current that precisely counters the normal wave across the heart muscle, stopping its rhythm. The unit reaches the optimal storage temperature in three minutes.<ref name="encyc1"/> | Once the subject is prepped, the chamber automatically proceeds to the freezing stage. The unit begins to rapidly cool the body and administers an electric current that precisely counters the normal wave across the heart muscle, stopping its rhythm. The unit reaches the optimal storage temperature in three minutes.<ref name="encyc1"/> | ||
===Wake cycle=== | ===Wake cycle=== | ||
Some subjects report dreaming in cryo-sleep, but scientists maintain that dreaming in this state is physically impossible due to the cessation of | Some subjects report dreaming in cryo-sleep, but scientists maintain that dreaming in this state is physically impossible due to the cessation of neurochemical processes in the brain. The likely explanation is that most subjects experience a burst of REM sleep during the wake cycle; subjects erroneously attribute these dreams to their cryo-sleep time.<ref name="encyc2">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 217''</ref> | ||
Once started the wake cycle takes approximately fifteen minutes to complete. The subject is warmed in a controlled manner and an electric current is applied to stimulate the heart muscle. The lid of the chamber will open automatically when the cycle is completed, and the interior lighting increases to full brightness. Most sleepers do not awaken until this time.<ref name="encyc2"/> | Once started, the wake cycle takes approximately fifteen minutes to complete. The subject is warmed in a controlled manner and an electric current is applied to stimulate the heart muscle. The lid of the chamber will open automatically when the cycle is completed, and the interior lighting increases to full brightness. Most sleepers do not awaken until this time.<ref name="encyc2"/> | ||
When awakening, sleepers are required to sit erect in the chamber, take one breath, and cough. This first breath may be laborious to draw, but it is imperative to clear the lungs | When awakening, sleepers are required to sit erect in the chamber, take one breath, and cough. This first breath may be laborious to draw, but it is imperative to clear the lungs of surplus surfactant immediately.<ref name="encyc2"/> The surfactant is designed to be immediately swallowed in order to replace nutrients lost during the journey.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'''</ref> Some UNSC personnel find the taste of the surfactant to be unpleasant. | ||
If time is not of the essence, personnel may utilize the showers located adjacent to the cryo-bay deck. On military vessels, barracks and weapon lockers are often located near the cryo-deck so waking troops can be rapidly dressed and equipped for combat.<ref name="encyc2"/> | If time is not of the essence, personnel may utilize the showers located adjacent to the cryo-bay deck. On military vessels, barracks and weapon lockers are often located near the cryo-deck so waking troops can be rapidly dressed and equipped for combat.<ref name="encyc2"/> | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
*Theoretically, no harm would come to subjects in suspension for hundreds of years or more, presuming no interruption occurred in the power supply to the chamber, | *Theoretically, no harm would come to subjects in suspension for hundreds of years or more, presuming no interruption occurred in the power supply to the chamber. However, there have been no instances where an individual was suspended for such a length of time.<ref name="encyc1"/> | ||
*Even though humans must enter a cryo-tube naked or risk being blistered when they emerge, [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] of ''[[Halo Wars]]'' and [[Catherine Elizabeth Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] in ''[[The Package]]'' both entered their tubes fully clothed. These were cases of artistic license, however, since showing nudity would force up the content ratings of both the game and the short film. | *Even though humans must enter a cryo-tube naked or risk being blistered when they emerge, [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] of ''[[Halo Wars]]'' and [[Catherine Elizabeth Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] in ''[[The Package]]'' both entered their tubes fully clothed. These were cases of artistic license, however, since showing nudity would force up the content ratings of both the game and the short film. | ||