Why Cryopreservation is No Longer Science Fiction with Until Co-founder and CEO Laura Deming - No Priors: Artificial Intelligence | Technology | Startups Recap

Podcast: No Priors: Artificial Intelligence | Technology | Startups

Published: 2026-01-29

Duration: 31 min

Summary

In this episode, Laura Deming discusses the groundbreaking potential of reversible cryopreservation, a technology that could change the way we approach medical treatments and organ transplants. The conversation highlights the transition from theoretical to practical applications, exploring the scientific challenges and future implications of this technology.

What Happened

Laura Deming, co-founder and CEO of Until, dives into the fascinating world of reversible cryopreservation, a concept that has transitioned from the realm of science fiction to a tangible area of research. She outlines their long-term goal of achieving reversible whole body cryopreservation for medical hibernation, while in the near term, they focus on cryopreserving single human organs to enhance the efficiency of organ transplants. The idea of 'freezing time' for humans opens up new possibilities in medicine, fundamentally changing the way we think about time in medical treatments.

Deming explains the inherent challenges of cryopreservation, particularly the issues caused by ice formation in tissues during freezing. She notes that while ice can cause significant damage, there are temperatures at which ice formation halts, allowing for successful cryopreservation without harm. This has already been demonstrated with human tissues, including embryos that have been cryopreserved for decades, leading to the question of scalability and why this area has not been more actively pursued. Deming reflects on her early fascination with longevity and the social blind spots surrounding aging, revealing a personal journey that led her to tackle these complex issues head-on.

Key Insights

• Reversible cryopreservation could revolutionize organ transplants and medical treatments.
• Ice formation during freezing can severely damage tissues, but specific temperatures can prevent this.
• The scalability of cryopreservation technologies remains a critical challenge.
• Social perceptions and classifications of aging often hinder research and funding in the field.

Key Questions Answered

What is reversible cryopreservation?

Reversible cryopreservation is a technology that entails freezing living tissues or organs with the aim of preserving their viability for future use. Laura Deming describes it as a method that could allow for medical hibernation, where patients on the brink of death could be safely stored until a cure for their condition becomes available. The focus currently is on cryopreserving single human organs to improve the efficiency of organ transplants, indicating a significant potential for immediate medical applications.

What challenges does cryopreservation face?

One of the primary challenges in cryopreservation is the damage caused by ice formation in tissues. Laura explains that water expands when it freezes, which can result in significant tissue damage if not managed properly. However, researchers have identified temperatures below which ice formation ceases, allowing for the possibility of successful preservation without destruction of the tissue. The challenge remains in scaling up these technologies for broader application, particularly in whole body cryopreservation.

How does Laura Deming's background influence her work?

Laura shares that her upbringing in New Zealand, where she was homeschooled, led her to contemplate longevity and aging at a young age. This unique background fostered an early curiosity about the lifespan of individuals and the factors influencing aging. Her experience in founding the Longevity Fund further deepened her engagement with longevity research and highlighted the need for funding in this area, ultimately guiding her to focus on cryopreservation as a crucial aspect of extending human life.

What are the implications of successfully scaling cryopreservation?

If cryopreservation can be successfully scaled, it could transform the medical field by providing new avenues for organ transplantation and potentially curing diseases through medical hibernation. The idea of freezing time for humans opens discussions about the ethical and social implications of such technology. Deming emphasizes that while the technical feasibility exists, the broader societal acceptance and understanding of aging and longevity will play a critical role in advancing these technologies.

Why is cryopreservation not more widely researched?

Laura suggests that the field of longevity and aging occupies a 'social blind spot,' where it is not fully recognized as a valid area of research. This lack of recognition can lead to insufficient funding and interest in cryopreservation technologies. Despite the technical possibilities, the classification of aging as a non-disease complicates the pursuit of solutions. Deming's focus on cryopreservation seeks to address this gap and push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable research in the field.