Human Head Transplant
 

Don't feel like writing anything but want to share this. Thought it was interesting and if successful shows a lot of promise for a few decades down the road once 3D organ printing (already a thing) is more refined. I imagine a few decades after that, we'll be able to just peel off people's faces and spray on new musculature/skin as needed. Just have to figure out how to keep the brain healthy indefinitely. Perhaps it can be replaced/updated in chunks to allow integration and data recovery?

Link:

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/...ant/ar-AAiey6h

I don't think that the head will accept the body or visa versa. The sheer amount of trauma on the bodies systems would be beyond resolve. Not to mention side effects and complications. Removing the head and keeping it alive is possible to an extent. Doctors already transplant lots of organs but I don't think there is any chance in hell that a full head transplant is possible yet.

I think it's going to just be a surgical butchering.

This will be good. Then we can sign warrants for our dead bodies for $$$ and give it to our families when we pass. I'm sure my body would go for a couple mil no doubt.

This was my thought, but with concurrent advances in 3D printing, I do not see body theft as likely a prospect especially with compatibility issues. I think it is much more likely that those with the financial means would be much more inclined to go with their custom 38" gams or diphallic models than steal one that would be eternally locked in mortal combat with he command center.

I do find it troubling though that this sort of thing will be available only to the very wealthy, who will be the first (and possibly only) to realize significant (perpetual?) extensions in life.

I think it could be done within 10 years if there was a concerted effort. They've already built bladders, heart valves, fingers, etc. The only real challenges I see are neuro-spinal, which certainly aren't small ^^

Yeah reattaching the spinal cord is the big issue. They have done a few head transplants with animals already in the 50s (X-files anyone?). The transplanted heads can be kept alive with machines but they never survive on their own.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2BxGOdYm8U

Head transplants that result in a full or even partial return to function are very far off, like several generations at least.

The neural wiring between the brain and the body is immensely complex. The chances of, for example, axons from the chemoreceptors that monitor blood oxygen in your carotid bifurcation being properly linked to the respiratory regulatory centers located in the brainstem are slim. Without those kinds of linkages, you can't maintain homeostasis. And there are millions of them.

Head will have to come with the spine attached.

Makes me think of mortal combat.