Dr. James Hiram Bedford was a man of many accomplishments—an esteemed professor at the University of California, a World War I veteran, and a well-traveled individual with a full and meaningful life. However, he is perhaps best remembered as the first person whose body was preserved through cryonics, the practice of freezing a human body (or brain) at extremely low temperatures after death.
In 1967, Bedford, who had built a comfortable life for himself, was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer that had spread to his lungs. At that time, medical advancements were not as developed as they are today, and his prognosis was grim.
During his battle with the disease, Bedford became familiar with the concept of cryonic preservation through the book The Prospect of Immortality by Dr. Robert Ettinger, the founder of the Cryonics Institute. Ettinger, widely regarded as the father of body freezing experiments, envisioned a future where individuals could be preserved after death with the hope of being revived when medical technology had progressed enough to cure their illnesses.
Inspired by this idea, Bedford made the decision to have his body frozen after his death. On January 12, 1967, after his death was officially declared, Bedford’s body was injected with dimethyl sulfoxide, a chemical used to protect his organs from damage during the freezing process. His blood was drained, and his body was placed in a tank of liquid nitrogen at a chilling -196 degrees Celsius.
Twenty-four years later, in 1991, the cryonics organization Alcor examined Bedford’s preserved body. The technicians found that his body had been well-preserved, although some signs of the freezing process were visible. His face appeared youthful for his age of 73, and his nose and mouth still held the faint smell of blood. The skin on his chest and neck had discolorations, and his corneas had turned a milky white, a result of the freezing process.
The preservation team carefully wrapped Bedford’s body in a new sleeping bag and returned it to liquid nitrogen, awaiting the time when medical technology might one day allow him to be revived. As of today, more than 50 years after the intended revival, Bedford’s body remains in suspended animation, still awaiting the future that was promised.
Robert Nelson, one of the three scientists involved in Bedford’s cryonic preservation, shared that Bedford’s final words were: “I want you to understand that I did not do this with the thought that I would be revived. I did this in the hope that one day my descendants will benefit from this wonderful scientific solution.”
While Bedford remains in a state of preservation, his case continues to be a powerful example of the possibilities and uncertainties surrounding cryonics, as science continues to explore the limits of life extension.
Lucky Colors for the 12 Zodiac Signs
Each zodiac sign is associated with specific lucky colors that enhance their energy, personality, and success. Wearing or surrounding yourself with these colors can bring good fortune, boost confidence, and improve overall well-being.
♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19) – Red
🔥 Lucky Color: Red
Aries is a fire sign, ruled by Mars, the planet of energy and action. Red symbolizes passion, courage, and strength, making it the perfect color for Aries to attract success and confidence.
💡 Other lucky colors: Scarlet, Orange, Gold
♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – Green
🌿 Lucky Color: Green
Taurus, ruled by Venus, is deeply connected to nature and stability. Green represents growth, prosperity, and harmony, helping Taurus attract financial success and peace.
💡 Other lucky colors: Pink, Earthy Tones, Light Blue
♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20) – Yellow
🌞 Lucky Color: Yellow
As an air sign, Gemini thrives on communication and intellect. Yellow, the color of brightness and curiosity, enhances their mental agility and brings clarity and positive energy.
💡 Other lucky colors: Light Green, White, Orange
♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – Silver & White
🌙 Lucky Colors: Silver & White
Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which represents emotions and intuition. Silver and white bring balance, calmness, and protection, helping Cancer feel emotionally secure and nurtured.
💡 Other lucky colors: Light Blue, Cream, Pearl
♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22) – Gold
👑 Lucky Color: Gold
Ruled by the Sun, Leos are natural-born leaders who shine bright. Gold symbolizes wealth, success, and royalty, making it the perfect color for their ambitious and confident nature.
💡 Other lucky colors: Orange, Red, Yellow
♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22) – Green & Brown
🍃 Lucky Colors: Green & Brown
Virgo, an earth sign, is practical, grounded, and detail-oriented. Green represents healing and growth, while brown symbolizes stability and wisdom, helping Virgo stay organized and focused.
💡 Other lucky colors: White, Beige, Soft Pastels
♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22) – Pink & Blue
💙 Lucky Colors: Pink & Blue
Ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty, Libra thrives in harmony and balance. Pink represents romance and kindness, while blue brings peace and clarity to their decisions.
💡 Other lucky colors: Light Purple, White, Lavender
♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) – Black & Dark Red
🖤 Lucky Colors: Black & Dark Red
Scorpio, ruled by Pluto and Mars, is mysterious, intense, and powerful. Black enhances their strength and depth, while dark red fuels their passion and determination.
💡 Other lucky colors: Maroon, Burgundy, Deep Purple
♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) – Purple
💜 Lucky Color: Purple
Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, is adventurous and philosophical. Purple, a color of wisdom and ambition, helps Sagittarius expand their horizons and attract success in travel and knowledge.
💡 Other lucky colors: Royal Blue, Orange, Red
♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) – Dark Blue & Grey
🪨 Lucky Colors: Dark Blue & Grey
Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of discipline and structure. Dark blue symbolizes professionalism and wisdom, while grey represents strength and resilience, helping Capricorn stay focused on their goals.
💡 Other lucky colors: Black, Brown, Dark Green
♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) – Blue
🌊 Lucky Color: Blue
Aquarius, an air sign ruled by Uranus, is innovative and free-spirited. Blue represents communication, clarity, and intelligence, helping Aquarius connect with their visionary ideas.
💡 Other lucky colors: Turquoise, Silver, Purple
♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20) – Sea Green & Light Blue
🐠 Lucky Colors: Sea Green & Light Blue
Pisces, ruled by Neptune, is deeply emotional and intuitive. Sea green and light blue represent calmness, spirituality, and healing, helping Pisces stay connected to their creative and dreamy nature.
💡 Other lucky colors: Lavender, Aqua, Soft Pink
How to Use Your Lucky Colors?
✨ Wear your lucky color in clothing, accessories, or jewelry.
✨ Decorate your home or workspace with these colors for positive energy.
✨ Use lucky colors in your phone wallpaper, planner, or daily items.
✨ Choose lucky color gemstones like ruby for Aries, emerald for Taurus, and sapphire for Aquarius.
By embracing your lucky colors, you can enhance your strengths, attract positive energy, and align with your zodiac sign’s best qualities. 🌟💫