Biostasis
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (March 2013) |
Biostasis is the ability of an organism to tolerate environmental changes without having to actively adapt to them. Biostasis is found in organisms that live in habitats that likely encounter unfavorable living conditions, such as drought, freezing temperatures, change in pH levels, pressure, or temperature. Insects undergo a type of dormancy to survive these conditions, called diapause. Diapause may be obligatory for these insects to survive. The insect may also be able to undergo change prior to the arrival of the initiating event.[1]
Biostasis is also used as a synonym for the terms cryostasis or cryonics. Cryonics is used for individuals who are terminally ill. The patients are frozen in what is know as cryonic suspension. The patients are suspended so that when technology advances, they can be re-animated and their disease can be cured or treated, accordingly.[2]
Medical biostasis can be put to use in humans to help repair brain damage. [3]
There is evidence that suggests,[clarification needed] in the next decade[when?] medical biostasis procedures can be performed by trauma surgeons by 2026.[4]
References
- ^ Karen Lindahl and Susie Balser (2 October 1999). "Tardigrade Facts". Illinois Wesleyan University. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
- ^ Merkle, R.C. (September 1992). "The technical feasibility of cryonics". Medical Hypotheses. 39: 6–16.
- ^ "SCIENCE". Medical Biostasis Inc. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
- ^ "HOME". Medical Biostasis Inc. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
 | This ecology-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
 | This biology article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |