Article Reflection No. 20 (8/3/2022)
- Mary
- Aug 3, 2022
- 2 min read
Reflection:
In the article "A 'Reversible' Form of Death? Scientists Revive Cells in Dead Pigs' Organs" by Gina Kolata, the journalist informs readers of the results from Yale scientists' study on pig cells' revitalization. The control group of this experiment received a blood injection, by which the pigs' organs were harmed and purple-blue spots appeared, signifying blood clumps within the body. The study, pursuing an increase in donated organs, provokes questions of ethics and the definition of “death”. To begin, OrganEx included nerve blockers, a component preventing the pigs from regaining consciousness by the injection. Before injecting OrganEx to people, nerve blockers must be removed to see the injection’s scope of power. Opening paths to life for those drowning or with seriously harmed brains is another rationale to excluding these nerve blockers in injections. Furthermore, this study possibly changes what “death” truly means. According to University of Groningen transplant surgeon Dr. Robert Porte, most nations require five minutes of stand-by after a brain-dead patient is disconnected from life support before pronouncing their death. Any additional minutes that pass before the O.R., Dr. Porte says, can damage organs seriously, rendering them useless for donations. Therefore, injections like OrganEx may be difficult to apply for patients who are brain-dead, but will have higher chances of success for those who are brain-injured. This correlates with what “death” means because the proclaimed time of passing in hospitals defines whether or not one is legally dead.
Technology can breathe for us through ventilators. Technology can practically read our minds through our brain’s nerve signals. Technology can walk for us, shake hands for us. Technology has come a very long way. Reading this article has reminded me how important loved ones are to humanity. They provide humane support, and make us face reality. They do things that A.I. cannot yet.
Photo Credit: David Andrijevic, Zvonimir Vrselja, Taras Lysol, Shupei Zhang; Sestan Laboratory; Yale School of Medicine
Vocab:
[Definitions from Oxford Languages Dictionary]
Deliberation (n.) long and careful consideration/discussion
Futile (adj.) incapable of producing any useful result; pointless; helpless; useless