Albert Einstein's brain is famously known to have been kept after his death in 1955. This fact wasn't revealed until 1978, when journalist Steven Levy rediscovered it in the possession of Dr. Thomas Harvey. It had been preserved in alcohol in mason jars for over 20 years. Numerous studies have since been conducted on it.
Other instances of brains being kept include:
- Research studies: Research on Alzheimer's disease often involves studying the brains of deceased individuals after their death to analyze brain plaques and other relevant factors. This allows researchers to better understand the disease's progression and potential treatments. (Reference: Some elderly with Alzheimer's brain plaques stay sharp).
- Brain preservation: While controversial and ethically complex, some individuals choose to have their brains preserved after death through cryonics, with the hope of future revival or scientific study. (Reference: Opinion | Kim Suozzi, the Woman Whose Brain Was Frozen).
- Scientific experiments: Experiments, such as those involving the restoration of some cellular function in dead pig brains, may involve keeping and manipulating brain tissue for research purposes. (Reference: Scientists restore some vitality in dead pig brains — but without consciousness)
While the question is somewhat vague, focusing on preserved brains post-mortem, the most famous example is overwhelmingly that of Albert Einstein.
