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Asked by to Andrei, Ekbal, Gemma, Helen, Ruth on 24 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by .
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Ekbal Hussain answered on 24 Jun 2014:
Hi Bremnerd,
I actually don’t know! The brain is a highly complex organ and needs a constant supply of blood and energy from the rest of your body so I don’t think you could keep it outside your head. At least for the moment.
We might invent a machine that can keep the brain alive by supplying it with all the energy and blood it needs.
However, scientists are able to actually grow other organs in labs. For example scientists can grow you a new kidney or a liver. This is a very new technology and one that will become more and more common. I believe that pretty soon you will be able to replace almost any organ in your body!
That’s pretty cool, right?
Ekbal
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Helen Gath answered on 25 Jun 2014:
Hi Bremnerd,
That would be a little bit freaky! Certainly there are many rapid advancements in science, so i’m sure it won’t be long.
I was just to say that although putting specimens in jars can’t keep them alive, it does help preserve them. This is a common technique employed by many scientists, and even I have done it! Keeping a dead animal, say a snake, in a jar filled with a certain alcohol prevents oxygen reaching the snake. It also kills any bacteria which would have continued living even when the snake was dead. By taking away the oxygen and bacteria you stop the decomposition process; instead of degrading into basic matter, it stays looking the same forever!
I knew someone who was obsessed with collecting things, he had a whole office full of all sorts of animals in jars! Think I would rather look at plant…
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