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Cryobiology is the study of how living or non-living organisms are affected by very low temperatures. Cryobiology is used for infertility research, organ transplantation, and livestock breeding. Some other ideas include being able to freeze and preserve sick people until the cure for their illness if discovered. Cryobiology has existed for thousands of years. Early civilizations applied it in medicine, where they used cold water and compresses to stop blood flow from wounds. Today, a type of low-temperature gas called nitrogen has been used to freeze cells. This is used during an organ transplant where vital organs, like the heart, may need to be frozen during its transfer from doner to patient. Cryobiology also allows for blood and embryos to be frozen for future use. For example, rare blood types can be preserved at a hospital until a patient requires that specific type. Frozen embryos, in the early stages of development, are sometimes used in scientific experiments. Through this process, cryobiology can help infertile women have children. |
