Alcor News

Foresight Nanotech Institute's Vision Weekend to be held Nov. 3-4 is open to Alcor members, as well as members of other special cooperating groups. Usually this event is only open to their Senior Associate members.

Alcor encourages you to check out this event and register early. It is an "unconference," so attendees have the option of presenting as well as general participation. The overall theme is advanced technologies, with a wide variety of topics to be covered, including a presentation on cryonics by Alcor's Tanya Jones.

Facebook users can indicate their plans to attend here, though RSVPs here don't guarantee you a seat.

Hope to see you there!

Posted by Jennifer Chapman at 11:33 AM | Permalink

We hope all our conference attendees enjoyed the 7th Alcor Conference, from the lively discussions to the food selections, sleeping rooms, and beautiful Arizona weather. The event could not have been a success without our attendees, and so we thank them all for supporting our mission!

The 7th Alcor Conference DVD set is still in production, but it can be ordered now for only $39.95 plus shipping - a special sale price only available for a limited time. Order yours now to receive this 20% discount.

Anyone interested in reading more about the conference is encouraged to view these blogs:
Frontier Channel
People Database Project
Fight Aging
TechNewsWorld

We hope to see everyone at the 8th Alcor Conference!

Posted by Jennifer Chapman at 2:14 PM | Permalink

Special Guest Writers: John Schloendorn & Simone Syed

Sunday began with a panel discussion about the ethics of life and death, the relationship between cryonics and critical care medicine, and about the definition of death, which has profound implications for cryonics. The panelists were critical care physician David Crippen, Alcor COO Tanya Jones, and bioethicist Leslie Whetstine. Next, Steven Harris, MD introduced his perfluorocarbon-based rapid body cooling system, which has applications in cryonics and emergency medicine. Calvin Mercer, PhD addressed the relationship between religion and life extension practices, such as cryonics. Christine Petersen then provided a survey of existing life extension technologies, and, finally, Chris Heward, PhD wrapped up with an in-depth account of the aging measurement experiment being conducted at Kronos Science Laboratory.

Continue reading "7th Alcor Conference, Sunday Morning Sessions" »

Posted by Jennifer Chapman at 2:41 PM | Permalink

Special Guest Writers: John Schloendorn & Simone Syed

The afternoon session featured several illustrious speakers from the fields of nanotechnology and stem cell research, which would seem indispensable for successful revival from cryopreservation. The session began with an introduction to molecular nanotechnology from Ralph Merkle, PhD, which may one day allow us to rebuild damaged structures molecule-by-molecule. Mike West, PhD, of Advanced Cell Technology, discussed how one day we may be able to reassemble lost human tissues and organs cell-by-cell. Finally, Aubrey de Grey, PhD, most well-known for his Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS) (a strategy to cure human aging by repairing the damage it does to the human body), provided an intriguing account of whether it is politically safe for a biologist to support cryonics publicly. Speaking from his own experience, Aubrey’s conclusion is no, it is not safe at all, but hiding it is a lot more dangerous!

Continue reading "7th Alcor Conference, Saturday Afternoon Sessions" »

Posted by Jennifer Chapman at 5:59 PM | Permalink

Special Guest Writers: John Schloendorn & Simone Syed

The 7th Alcor conference was held from Friday, October 5th to Sunday, October 7th in the Hilton Scottsdale Resort. The venue featured a level of luxury greater than a dewar, to say the least!

Friday evening began with a reception on the Hilton patio with light drinks and food. Also on Friday, Alcor public policy consultant Barry Aarons gave an introductory speech summarizing the recent progress of Alcor's status as a research entitity in Arizona. Indeed, within only four years, Alcor has progressed from being existentially threatened by the state government, to being perceived as an accepted research and technology institute furthering the public good. We are all grateful to Barry and the Alcor leadership for their excellent public relations work that made this possible. The next step should be to strengthen Alcor's relations with other leading biotechnology institutions in Arizona and to begin collaborations with efforts like the Biodesign Institute in Tempe, or the Bio5 in Tucson. In the long term, this should establish Alcor as an indispensible part of Arizona's sprawling academic and industrial biotechnology network.

Saturday morning's sessions featured talks from key individuals working to create and improve existing human cryopreservation technologies and processes. One of the first speakers, Brian Wowk, PhD, Senior Physicist at 21st Century Medicine, took us through the technical challenges and successes in cryopreservation research. Next, Alcor Executive Director Stephen Van Sickle gave us an overview of the research and process developments at the Alcor facility. Finally, Tanya Jones provided an in-depth look at current and future improvements in Alcor procedures and equipment.

Continue reading "7th Alcor Conference, Saturday Morning Sessions" »

Posted by Jennifer Chapman at 11:54 AM | Permalink

View excerpts from the 2006 conference DVD

Register Today for $395
Rate will increase after Friday, Aug. 31

Join us in Scottsdale, Arizona, for the 7th Alcor Conference October 5-7, 2007, and discover the world's leader in the most ambitious life extension endeavor ever: CRYONICS.

Don't miss this weekend of presentations about the cryopreservation process, the possibility of repairing cryopreserved individuals, and how present day technology and research are moving the industry forward. A compelling speaker lineup highlights the rich history of the cryonics industry, addresses religious and ethical considerations, and offers expert answers to your common questions.

Possibilities for living longer will also be explored. Ever wonder whether regenerative medicine developed from stem cell technology can stop age-related diseases? Find out from Dr. Michael West of Advanced Cell Technology, a leading biotechnology firm making headlines around the world. Plus, gain inside information about the human aging experiment conducted at the Kronos Science Laboratory.

Registration includes all meals, a tour of the Alcor Foundation, and opportunities to make lasting friendships with Alcor members, supporters and staff. The next Alcor conference will not be until 2009, so don't miss this opportunity. Register by Friday, August 31st to receive the $395 rate.

Program Covers These Topics:

Steve Bridge - Why We Are Here and Where We Are Going

Aubrey de Grey, Ph.D. - Is it Politically Safe for a Biologist to Support Cryonics Publicly?

Steven Harris, M.D. - Rapid Hypothermia Induction Methods and Brain Oxygen Requirements in Resuscitation and Cryonics

Chris Heward, Ph.D. - The Kronos Longitudinal Aging Study: The Measurement of Human Aging

Calvin Mercer, Ph.D. - Cryonics and Religion: Friends or Foes?

Ralph Merkle, Ph.D. - Molecular Nanotechnology and the Repair of Cryopreserved Patients

Christine Peterson - Life Extension: Good News, Bad News, Surprising News

Michael West, Ph.D. - Immortal Cells: The Prospect of Regenerative Medicine

Brian Wowk, Ph.D. - Common Questions about Cryobiology and Cryonics

David Crippen, M.D., Tanya Jones, Leslie Whetstine, Ph.D., Aschwin de Wolf - Human Cryopreservation and Critical Care Medicine Panel

Visit These Links for More Information or to Register:

Complete Speaker and Event Details

Register by August 31st at $395

Reserve Hotel - Special Room Rate Expires 09/15

Sponsor the 7th Alcor Conference

We hope to see you there!

Posted by Jennifer Chapman at 3:27 PM | Permalink

October 5-7, 2007
Hilton Scottsdale Resort
Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Join us to discover the world's leader in the most ambitious life extension endeavor ever: cryonics. Learn about the cryopreservation process and present-day technology, cryonics research underway at Alcor, the possibilities for revival of cryopreserved individuals, and more.

Register NOW by July 31, 2007, for the special early bird rate of $295.

Continue reading "7th Alcor Conference - Registration Now Open" »

Posted by D'Bora at 4:02 PM | Permalink

Meet your fellow Alcor members and supporters in Texas. The first meeting will be at the home of Shannon Vyff on June 4th at 8:00pm. This will be an evening social with a guest speaker presentation, along with wine, h'orderves and desserts.

Location:
2011 Lantana Dr.
Round Rock, TX 78664
Date & Time: June 4th, 8:00pm

Continue reading "Meet Texas Alcor Members and Supporters" »

Posted by D'Bora at 3:39 PM | Permalink

On May 5th-7th, Tanya Jones Alcor's Chief Operating Officer, will be in the United Kingdom to instruct people interested in learning about or joining the emergency first response team in the United Kingdom. There will be presentations of the emergency techniques and procedures employed by Alcor's first responders and mannequins will be provided for hands-on practice.

This is also a great opportunity to just observe a training session and meet other Alcor members and supporters.

Posted by D'Bora at 1:42 PM | Permalink

There will be a Board of Directors meeting for April this coming Saturday, April 7, at 11:00 am Arizona time. All are welcome to attend. The meeting usually takes one to two hours, and is followed by a buffet lunch.

Location:

Alcor Life Extension Foundation
7895 East Acoma Drive Suite 110
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260

Phone: (480) 905-1906

Posted by at 12:53 PM | Permalink

There will be an Alcor Board of Directors meeting this Saturday, December 2, at 11 am Arizona time at the Alcor facility at 7895 East Acoma Drive in Scottsdale, Arizona. All are invited to attend. Lunch will be served.

Posted by at 12:11 PM | Permalink

Report on the 6th Alcor Conference
October, 2006
Stephen Bridge

On October 6-8, 2006, around 200 people attended Alcor's first cryonics conference in four years. In many ways it was the best cryonics conference I have ever attended (out of maybe 9 or 10 conferences); but not primarily because of the speakers. This is not to say that the speakers were poor; in fact, the average quality of talk was very high. But too many of the talks were on subjects I had heard before, often several times. I'll get to my suggestions later on.

Continue reading "Conference Review" »

Posted by at 4:22 PM | Permalink

What the Attendees Said:
A summary of the 2006 Alcor Conference survey results

By Steve Bridge

As at many conferences, participants were asked to fill out a survey to grade their experiences at the conference. 68 attendees did so, and the results show just how varied a gathering this was. (A note on the vagaries of conference surveys: this also means than more than half of the attendees did not turn in a survey. We can guess that their answers might have been similar; but they also might have been so excited about their weekend that they didn't think to fill out the form -- or so unhappy with their experiences that they couldn't bear to fill out the form.)

Continue reading "What the Attendees Said" »

Posted by at 4:16 PM | Permalink

CryoFeast!
(A.K.A. The Turkey Roast, BBQ and Pot Luck)
Once a year, Alcor cryonicists from around the Southern California area, gather together and have a fabulous party. What better way to meet and mingle with optimistic futurists from every walk of life! This is your opportunity to get answered all those nagging questions like: “who are these people?” And “What’s with the ice?” Bring a bathing suit and towel if you feel like a dip in the pool or hot tub.

Continue reading "Southern California Cryofeast" »

Posted by Steve Van Sickle at 5:07 PM | Permalink

Saturday, November 11th and Sunday, November 12th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Are you curious about what happens when an Alcor Emergency Response Team is called into action?

You are invited to observe or participate in our 2006 Northern California training session. Instruction will be provided by members of the Alcor readiness and transport team.

Continue reading "Northern California Team Training" »

Posted by at 5:04 PM | Permalink

There will be an Alcor Board of Directors meeting this Saturday, November 4, at 11 am Arizona time at the Alcor facility at 7895 East Acoma Drive in Scottsdale, Arizona. All are invited to attend. Lunch will be served.

Posted by at 10:11 AM | Permalink

Alcor Conference Comments

The 2006 Alcor Conference is over, and frankly we are still catching our breaths. A big thank you to everyone who made this conference a success, both Alcor staff and volunteer. We thought people would like to see some of the comments being made about it around the internet:

Report on the Alcor Conference 2006 [Part 1]

Report on the Alcor Conference 2006 [Part 2]

Photos from Bruce Klein

Regina Pancake on the conference

Posted by at 1:34 PM | Permalink

The Sixth Alcor Conference is rapidly approaching, but you can still pay at the door to attend. There will be nearly 200 people there, discussing science, medicine, and cryonics. They will also get a sneak peak at Alcor's current progress and future plans. Be there or you will miss all the fun!

Details Here

Posted by at 10:40 AM | Permalink

Alcor training sessions are given throughout the year in a variety of
locations for the purpose of training individuals to perform
cryopreservation stabilization and transport procedures. Those who do not
wish to participate are welcome to observe or simply stop by to meet Alcor
representatives.

Continue reading "Training Sessions and Member Gatherings" »

Posted by at 12:50 PM | Permalink

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 2006, at 11:00 AM (MST). Board meetings are typically held on the first Saturday of the month at the Alcor facility (7895 East Acoma Drive in Scottsdale, AZ). Members and the public are encouraged to attend.

Posted by at 12:41 PM | Permalink