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Head transplants possible by 2030, say doctors

Head Transplants - Level 4

A doctor said head transplants could be possible by 2030. Organ, face and other transplant surgery is now like science fiction. The doctor explained why he believes head transplants could be possible. He was working with an author on a science fiction novel. He said: "Initially, our intention was just to brainstorm an idea and it seemed rather silly, but then I realised, it actually isn't. If you transplant the brain and spinal cord together, it's not impossible."

The doctor said head transplants would only be possible if the head was accompanied by its spinal cord. Advances in spinal cord technology mean this could be possible before 2030. The doctor said: "Keeping the spinal cord in one piece has always been totally daunting." He also believes consciousness could move with the head from one body to another. The technology could treat spinal cord injuries and diseases like muscular dystrophy.

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Head Transplants - Level 5

A neurosurgeon said head transplants could be possible by the year 2030. Transplant surgery has become like science fiction. Organ transplants and face transplants are now common. The next decade could see whole heads being transplanted. The neurosurgeon explained why he believes this is possible. He was working with an author on a science fiction novel. He said: "Initially, our intention was just to brainstorm an idea and it seemed rather silly, but then I realised, it actually isn't. If you transplant the brain and spinal cord together, it's not impossible."

The neurosurgeon has performed over 10,000 operations. He said head transplants would only be possible if the head was accompanied by its spinal cord. Advances in spinal cord surgery, robotics and stem cell transplants mean this could be possible before 2030. The neurosurgeon said: "Keeping the spinal cord in one piece has always been totally daunting." He also believes that consciousness could move with the head and spinal cord from one body to another. The technology could treat spinal cord injuries and diseases like muscular dystrophy.

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Head Transplants - Level 6

It is either science fiction or a plot from a horror movie, but a neurosurgeon said head transplants could be possible by the year 2030. Transplant surgery has come on leaps and bounds in the last few decades. Organ transplants are commonplace and this past decade has seen face transplants. The next decade could see whole heads being transplanted. Neurosurgeon Bruce Mathew explained why he believes this is possible. He was actually working with author Michael J Lee on a science fiction novel. He said: "Initially, our intention was just to brainstorm an idea and it seemed rather silly, but then I realised, it actually isn't. If you transplant the brain and spinal cord together, it's not impossible."

Doctor Matthew, 63, has performed over 10,000 operations. He claims that head transplants would only be possible if the head was accompanied by the whole of its spinal cord. Advancements in nerve and spinal cord surgery, robotics and stem cell transplants mean it could be possible to attach an entire spinal cord and head to another body before 2030. Dr Matthew continued: "The thought of keeping the spinal cord in one piece has always been totally daunting, but now with modern technology you can do most things." Matthew also believes that consciousness would also move with the head and spinal cord from one body to another. The technology could treat spinal cord injuries and diseases like muscular dystrophy.

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