Cryonics: Difference between revisions
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'''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. | '''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 any voyage over 120 hours to prevent aging during the journey and to conserve onboard resources.<ref name="encyc1">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 216''</ref> | 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 any voyage over 120 hours to prevent aging during the journey and to conserve onboard resources.<ref name="encyc1">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe]]''', ''page 216''</ref> | ||
The [[Covenant]] have not been observed using comparable technology; their starships' dramatically higher velocities in slipspace would render the use of stasis unnecessary in most cases. The [[Forerunner]]s used [[Slipspace field pod|a system similar in practice]], but using a [[timelock|timelocked]] [[slipstream space|slipspace]] field to store the personnel within the pod instead of freezing them.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'''</ref> | The [[Covenant]] have not been observed using comparable technology; their starships' dramatically higher velocities in slipspace would render the use of stasis unnecessary in most cases. The [[Forerunner]]s used [[Slipspace field pod|a system similar in practice]], but using a [[timelock|timelocked]] [[slipstream space|slipspace]] field to store the personnel within the pod instead of freezing them.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'''</ref> | ||
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===Wake cycle=== | ===Wake cycle=== | ||
{{Quote|For me, it's like dying... and then waking up again.|Dimah Tchakova}} | {{Quote|For me, it's like dying... and then waking up again.|Dimah Tchakova}} | ||
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> | 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: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe]]''', ''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/Reuse|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/Reuse|encyc2}} | ||
