TechTock: Brain Transplants – The Next Frontier in Human Longevity?

Few concepts in medical science capture the imagination, quite like the idea of transplanting a human brain. It’s a notion from the pages of science fiction, yet one controversial neurosurgeon claims it could be on the horizon of reality.

Sergio Canero, a figure known for pushing the boundaries of neurosurgery, has recently proposed that transplanting a human brain into a younger body might be the key to extending human life. This audacious concept builds upon his earlier, equally contentious idea of full-head transplants, which he put forward in 2015.

The human brain, that marvel of biological engineering responsible for everything from crafting Shakespearean verse to executing the perfect football goal, often outlasts the body it inhabits. As our physical forms deteriorate with age, our minds can remain sharp and vibrant. Canero’s solution? Simply remove the brain from an aging body and place it into a more youthful, vigorous one.

While the idea of a head transplant raised eyebrows and skepticism among medical professionals, Canero now argues that a brain transplant is the logical next step. He contends that while head transplants are feasible, they don’t address the aging of head tissues, including the eyes. Thus, in Canero’s view, a complete brain transplant is the only viable option for true rejuvenation.

In a recent paper, Canero outlines a theoretical procedure for extracting a brain from one individual and implanting it into the skull of either a clone or a brain-dead donor body that has been immunologically conditioned. He even describes a specialized robotic device with retractable tines to remove the delicto from its original housing.

The paper also addresses some of the complex challenges associated with such a procedure, including methods for reconnecting nerves and blood vessels. Canero argues that with appropriate funding and the development of new surgical tools, this “long-held dream” could become a reality.

According to Canero, such a procedure dramatically extends the human lifespan by allowing individuals to inhabit young, healthy bodies regardless of age. It’s a conceit concept in the broader transhumanist movement and the quest for life extension, which has gained traction among some Silicon Valley elites.

This isn’t the first time Canero has made headlines with his radical ideas. In 2017, he and Chinese colleagues reported on a head transplant rehearsal using human cadavers. A live volunteer for the procedure, a Russian man with a degenerative muscle condition, eventually withdrew from the project. Canero has since been tight-lipped about the developments of the head transplant project in China, only stating cryptically that “it works.”

While Canero’s proposals continue to captivate public interest, they also spark horror and skepticism. The feasibility of his ideas remains highly questionable, particularly given that part of his solution relies on the development of human clones – a concept fraught with ethical and practical challenges.

The pursuit of extended human life is not new. From young blood transfusions to cryogenics and the quest for AI immortality, humans have long sought ways to cheat death. However, transplanting one’s brain into a clone of oneself represents a new frontier in this age-old endeavor.

Like many cutting-edge scientific proposals, Carnero’s ideas straddle the line between visionary thinking and science fiction. While the concept of brain transplants may seem far-fetched today, it serves as a reminder of humanity’s relentless pursuit of longevity and the sometimes controversial paths this quest may take.

Whether Canero’s proposals ever move beyond theoretical speculation remains to be seen. However, they undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the limits of medical science and the ethical implications of radical life-extension technologies. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in medicine, we must grapple with the profound questions these advancements raise about the nature of identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human.