Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: James Bedford becomes first cryonically preserved person

1/12/2026

22 4

Summary

Story summary

On January 12, 1967, James Bedford, a 73-year-old psychology professor, became the first person to be cryonically preserved, aiming for future resuscitation. This event marked a significant moment in the controversial field of cryonics, which is often criticized by the scientific community as pseudoscience and quackery.

1 of 1

Story summary

On January 12, 1967, James Bedford, a 73-year-old psychology professor, became the first person to be cryonically preserved, aiming for future resuscitation. This event marked a significant moment in the controversial field of cryonics, which is often criticized by the scientific community as pseudoscience and quackery.