From Zero to Cryo in 5 Days

Cryogenics is a branch of physics and engineering involving the production and effects of very low temperatures. The word originates from the Greek words 'kryos' meaning "frost" and 'genic' meaning "to produce” (National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)). Over the years, the term “cryogenics” has been used to refer to temperatures below approximately -150 C (120 K (-243 °F)) down to Absolute Zero (0 Kelvin / -459 F). This is a logical dividing line, since the normal boiling points of the presumed permanent gases (such as helium, hydrogen, neon, nitrogen, oxygen, and normal air) lie below −120 °C of the common Freon refrigerants and other mixtures. 

Extremely cold temperatures can alter the chemical properties of various materials, and liquid gases at or below -150° C can be used to freeze materials. A cryogenic environment is created when a gas begins to liquefy. 

The field of cryogenics can be used in a variety of ways: to produce cryogenic fields for rockets, MRI machines, food storage, special effects, cryosurgery (using very cold temperatures to remove tissue or tumors), tissue and blood sample storage, and cooling superconductors. “Cryotherapy” is a new trend, which involves people being exposed to cryogenic fluids for several minutes in order to supposedly reduce inflammation and pain and improve energy levels. Studies are still being done to prove the credibility and effects of this therapy. 

Cryogenics is a fast-evolving field. As technology continues to advance, cryogenics will continue to develop and grow so that new applications and methods will be discovered.