Necrotechnology

Necrotechnology is a term used to describe technologies and practices that engage with the dead, encompassing preservation, study, and, in speculative contexts, the possibility of reanimation.

The concept sits at the intersection of mortuary science, forensic pathology, bioethics, and emerging biotechnologies. In mainstream science, related activities are usually described as embalming, mortuary science, postmortem analysis, and cryonics rather than as a formal field called necrotechnology.

The scope includes preservation and memorial technologies, forensic and postmortem analysis, and research into biostasis. Real-world components include embalming and mortuary handling, autopsy and toxicology, postmortem imaging, body identification, and, in speculative contexts, low-temperature preservation for potential revival.

In culture, necrotechnology is frequently explored in science fiction and fantasy as a theme of technological control over death or resurrection, and discussions of digital necrotechnology address memorial data, AI representations, and simulated presence.

Ethical and legal issues associated with necrotechnology include consent for preservation, respect for religious and cultural beliefs about death, ownership of biological material, data governance of digital afterlives, and regulatory oversight.