An Alternative to Cryonics:An Introduction to Sparks Brain Preservation
11 hours ago
- #cryonics
- #brain-preservation
- #biotechnology
- Jordan Sparks, a dentist turned software entrepreneur, founded Sparks Brain Preservation (SBP) to offer chemical brain preservation as an alternative to cryonics.
- SBP uses chemical fixation with aldehydes (formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde) to preserve brains, avoiding damage from freezing and cryoprotectant toxicity.
- Unlike cryonics, SBP stores brains at -20°C without freezing, ensuring long-term structural integrity with minimal maintenance costs.
- SBP has preserved 20 human brains and 11 pets, with plans for expansion and research through its nonprofit arm, Apex Neuroscience.
- Jordan Sparks argues that cryonics is unethical due to its experimental nature, while chemical fixation offers evidence-based preservation.
- SBP is licensed in Oregon as a Nontransplant Anatomical Research Recovery Organization (NARRO) and supports Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) for optimal preservation.
- Membership in SBP costs $150/year, with free procedures for those within 250 miles of the facility.
- SBP’s research focuses on improving preservation techniques, including testing additives like polyethylene glycol to enhance perfusion.
- Jordan Sparks envisions future brain digitization, possibly eliminating the need for nanotechnology by using advanced brain-computer interfaces like Stentrode.
- The author, initially skeptical of Sparks’ ambitions, became a member of SBP in 2025, acknowledging Sparks’ achievements in the field.