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Call for questions: REBUILT ANATOMY (Patreon)

Published:
2025-07-29 04:40:43
Imported:
2026-06

Content

This weekend I'm interviewing NY Times best-selling author Mary Roach about a topic she's long researched: Human Technomorphology (REBUILT ANATOMY) aka "remarkable advances and difficult questions prompted by the human body’s failings: when to replace glitchy anatomy with a machine or even grow spare parts in a petri dish."

We're talking the future of biomedicine and prosthetics, transplants, stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, 3D printed implants, etc. Post your questions in the comments!

Deadline: Thursday, July 31 at 5pm PST

Comments

Colby Evans

Thank you for getting Mary Roach - been reading her for years, but no NOTHING about this!

Geriberi

First time question asker: is there an organ or other piece of anatomy that you think won’t ever be able to be engineered? If none, which will be the hardest to engineer?

Kristen Butler

Mary Roach inspired me to donate my body to a body farm. Both she and you have long been my answer to the “dream dinner party” question. I don’t have a question; I’m just THRILLED to hear this episode.

Sean

First time question asker- I assume we take stim cells to produce what ever organ we take it from but is it from said person who needs the organ? If so doesn't that mean that the organ would be compromised? Thanks!

Keely Chavez

Why so limited educational opportunities to become a prosthetist?

Priyal

Oh this is timely as I'm currently reading Nnedi Okorafor's Death of the Author. How realistic are the exoskeleton type devices described in the book?

Jacob Shepherd

How come humans react differently to different materials, like surgical steel, titanium, etc.?

Kait

Just wanna say I used to be a bookseller and I always ended up distracted and reading the back cover whenever I shelved one of her books!!!

Jenn

Right there with you - Stiff prompted very open conversation within my family about our wishes and respecting each other’s preferences. This is a nerd’s delight of a collaboration

Kait

Very interested in ethics and rights! Also the politics of funding. Do any countries currently have notable laws or programs that might serve as a blueprint for the future?

Janell Faraj

HI MARY! You and Alie are my dream podcast parents. Question: What kind of human technomorphological trends do you anticipate seeing in different parts of the world? Are we doomed to create a trash planet of human e-waste?

Georgia Claire

First timer. My loved one has a prosthetic eye as a result of micro ophthalmia. What are the chances of her ever getting a working bionic eye? Does it make a difference if you do or don't have an optic nerve?

Kait

Does this ever apply to gender affirming surgery?

Jenn

First time question asker: realistically, how far away are we from being able to produce effective organs and remove the need for donation.

Ettegoom

OMG! I LOVE Mary Roach's books! They are SO great!!! Also, question - I am super interested in a couple of areas: 1: pancreas - the CGM (continuous glucose monitor) and insulin pumps have literally changed the lives of some diabetics (who are able to access them - whole 'nother issue there in terms of the cost of life saving medical services and who gets to have them), do you think there's ever a possibility of growing a new pancreas via artificial means? 2: (you don't have to ask this, but I'm curious) I'm trans masc, and would love to have lower surgery, but don't want to go through the massive effort involved in creating what is essentially decorative, but non-functional anatomy (down there), you can get various implants and stuff, but I just really don't want to have to go to those lengths and am interested in whether there is a possibility that you could do things like grow a penis in the lab, or use transplant technology for this?

Georgia Claire

And a ps because I think it will interest Alie - she doesn't actually necessarily want a working eye, she thinks having binocular vision sounds somewhere between creepy and disorientating.

Brittany Briceño

What is it about pigs that makes their tissue so useful for regeneration of human tissue?

VibesandMoods

We often see folks discussing how expensive stem cell treatments and prosthetics can be, is it also expensive for doctors and other healthcare workers to get into these fields and specialties?

She Purple

Came here to say the same. This rules!

The Farming Linguist

How do we as a society balance the excitement and benefits of the evolving landscape of science to help assisting our bodies, with also maintaining autonomy and avoiding two tier systems between those who have access to and chooses to use such tools and those that do not have access to or chooses not to use these tools? The recent advancement in weight loss drugs has made me think a lot about what will happen with access to healthcare (and “general” discrimination) for people who reject using these drugs (for example due to lack of data about long term effects) or who cannot afford using them.

Amesia Doles

I am wondering about phantom limbs and if this sensation applies or is amplified with prosthetics? Or is it even a real thing?

Lene Olszeth

Is there anything we'll never be able to replace, no matter how advanced technology gets? Is there hope for autoimmune disease on the horizon?

Michelle Lee

I am curious the role medical ethics and quality of life play when considering biomedicine’s technological advances, and how is this (if at all) reflected in what is being explored and invested in today? To quote Dr Ian Malcolm, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.” — how do these questions of what could vs should impact these types of advances?

zackever8

Is there any new hope for people suffering from conditions related to nerve damage, like from skin burns or tinnitus?

Michelle Lee

Just commenting my excitement for the Ologist! And hoping she talks about heart valve replacement. I briefly worked at a cardiovascular device company out of college (non-science role) and was amazed by the technology being researched, which is available now. (Ya’ll - the mainstream treatment for aortic valve disease nowadays is transcatheter heart valve replacement, they can deploy the new valve through the femoral artery via an incision in your groin, vs open heart surgery!)

Alice Rubin

Mary Roach! I am so excited! I am constantly recommending her books to people! YAY! Anyhow... Has Mary done any research on fecal transplants? We are only starting to learn how much our gut is connected to other parts of our bodies and how gut health affects mental health. Wondering what kinds of ailments we're understanding fecal transplants can help with fixing/curing? IBS perhaps? (asking for "a friend").

Ashley K.

In regard to stem cell therapy and research, are we in the US actually utilizing or studying it? I feel like you hear often in other countries about breakthrough research but never in the US. Do we just not hear about it as much? Do we just have more roadblocks with it, especially in this political/religious climate? What are all the barriers if any? And should we be utilizing it more? Thanks!

Lizzy Martinez

I'd love to know more about the devices used to help people walk, including those that help with foot drop.

Kay Lucas

This technology fascinates me! It's like we rare living in the sci fi future! Can they talk about the integration of BCIs (brain-computer interfaces) and the developments into brain controlled prosthetics?

Kelly Shaver

I need to know about brain-computer interfaces and if/when we could see prosthetics controlled by the user’s brain.

Kelly Shaver

Is there a possible future where TBIs and other brain injuries or diseases can be treated and/or cured with stem cell therapy?

Kelly Shaver

Are 3D printed implants a viable solution to the lack of affordable implants in parts of the world without universal healthcare?

Kelly Shaver

Including here in the US where my friend can’t work because she can’t get around without a new hip but she can’t get a new hip without having health insurance from a job.

Kelly Shaver

As a disabled person, one of my first thoughts any time I hear about biomed/biotech advances is “do I need to be worried about this being used for eugenics?”, so that’s my question here.

Victoria Hsieh

This is insane since I’m a huge huge fan of Mary Roach (read Stiff in my junior year of high school over 7 years ago and now I’m entering law school and read Fuzz just last year)! In the United States, since we have a default opt-out on organ donation and morbidly so, a shortage of organs, which of these technologies is most likely to mass produce organs for people in need of transplants?

Victoria Hsieh

As a follow up this, is there an also an age/a stage of body health where the body is unable to accept these genetically engineered parts because of the body’s inability to regenerate as quickly as before?

Victoria Hsieh

When will the benefits of these technologies be accessible to the general public (or cheap enough)?

Inka

Sounds like an incredible topic - can’t wait! My question (first time, long time listener) relates to biotechnology when it enhances rather than just replaces current anatomy - how far off are we, or is it likely that we will get to a stage with biotech where it can be used to enhance performance e.g. for athletes? Will we need a new category in sports competitions for superhumans..?

Flozzatron

This one's close to my heart as my dad is going to be undergoing amputation of his left leg this year.. a few questions.. Can having a prosthetic limb or replacement organ change someone's sense of self and identity? What's the weirdest story of prothesis or surgery that you've come across which has actually worked? My dad is planning to keep his removed limb afterwards and display it in their living room.. which half of us horrified by and half of us think is epic! Have you encountered any unusual ways people keep their limbs and organs? Final question a bit sci-fi but do you think big brands will start producing body parts where you can get the latest installation.. so it becomes like a fashion statement to have the latest update? Thanks

Ashley Oki

When it comes to interspecies transplants, how close does the species have to be to humans to work? If the cells, organ structures, and dna are from a different species, how does the human immune system react to the change? This might be too gory, but on the animal side, what happens to the rest of the animal? Is it studied or disposed of? Are the animals bred specifically to be living donors, and are individual donors matched with a specific animal? If so, what is the criteria for the matching? Is the extraction of the animal organs done at the hospital? TLDR; any info regarding interspecies transplants would be appreciated.

Alisha Harris

I’m very excited for this topic! I find the whole thing incredibly interesting! My question is what ethical considerations are faced in this kind of work? When working with human tissue there must be a fine line between ethicality?

Ashley Oki

Brain transplants: science fiction or potential future? Does the blood type/DNA/medical history/family history of a donor matter? This is specifically with regards to donors who may have a genetic predisposition to certain conditions, people who have certain conditions (e.g. autoimmune, substance use disorder), or family history (e.g. someone with a family history of heart failure being able to donate their heart)?

Sienna

I think that's epic! What a powerful way to own thus transition. 💜 (I'm biased though, because I would 100% make the same choice) A man just loaned his recently skeletonized leg and foot to the Bone Museum in NY following a below the knee amputation. He visited the museum for several days, answering questions and sharing his story with the public. Thought you might find it interesting. Best of luck to your dad! https://www.instagram.com/jonsbones?igsh=MWgycXBpM21jNnN6dQ==

Han O'Reilly

Hey! Related question, I am currently reading Against Technoableism by Ashley Shew (happy Disability Pride Month!) and would love to know whether working in consultation with disabled and chronically ill people is a growing concern for experts in these areas - or are researchers/inventors still just marching on in the name of “progress” without stopping to ask the people most affected by these inventions, treatments and discoveries? I feel like this is a side of the ethical questions in all this that is often overlooked.

Samantha

OMG—Mary Roach! My question (first time question, listening for years and years) is about any potential advances in joint replacements. I had not one but two unsuccessful total knee replacements, and after years of going from one specialist to the next, I’m essentially disabled, much worse post-surgery than before. Any chatter out there for others like me? (And sadly there are more of us than are usually discussed…) Thanks for considering—love love love the show!

Flozzatron

Thank you Sienna, I will share this with my dad! (I'm pro his choice too!)

Leila Laco

A family member was recently diagnosed with epilepsy, so I'm wondering if there's any current or potential future developments in this field that can prevent seizures?

Fancynonna

What materials would be used in 3D printing for prosthetics? I assume you can’t use PLA or resin… *definitely not thinking of self-printing and replacing my arthritic joints*

Alyx Rose

So my fiancé has EDS and they were curious if they could still hypothetically donate organs and such because of the connective tissues. Would the person who got the organ then have EDS?

Lisa Gorman

Holy shit Mary Roach?! I am so excited!! Now for an actual question: how far away are we from growing true tissue match organs for transplant, and would this be able to stop the need for massive immunosuppression in organ transplant recipients? Would this increase the lifespan of a transplanted organ, since currently they often do not last the lifespan of the recipient?

Lisa Gorman

Are we able to truly grow any tissues in the form they would need to be in within the body? For example, it's realitvely easy to grow cells, but our muscle isn't just a jumble of cells, it's a bunch of very specifically organized cells so they can contract together. Is anyone currently growing true organized tissues in a lab?

Lisa Gorman

A weird question about stem cells: is there any way for an adult to get pluripotent stem cells from their ovaries to use for their own medical purposes? I am asking as someone who grew 3 dermoid cysts, the benign tumors with teeth, hair, and whatever else the ovaries felt like making inside of them. Could you harness this to make tissues that you actually needed? Or put another way, could my ovaries grow me a usable tooth?

Matt Ceccato

Is there a “typical” life span of a replacement joint/bone?

Chrysalis Ashton

How close are we to growing human- compatible organs in other animals? And can you talk about the animal welfare issues surrounding that?

RJ Doidge

I remember a while ago hearing that scientists were working on using stem cells to help regrow human skin cells - is that flim flam or can we expect that within our lifetime?

Adam Foote

I'm not sure how to phrase this so it's understandable but I'll try! What's the likelihood that this sort of technology increases the wealth gap? I'm thinking that "good" body part replacements and organs will really only be available to the super-rich. How do we make sure that these life-saving technologies are able to help people equitably?

Alex Minor

OMG MARY ROACH! I am fangirling SO HARD! Stiff completely changed my perspective. In all your deep dives into the strange corners of science, what’s one bizarre fact or moment that didn’t make it into a book, but still lives rent-free in your brain?

Alex Minor

Where do you think the boundary is between a repaired human and a redefined one, and what does that say about how we view identity through the body?

Alex Minor

If you could build a museum of humanity’s most bizarre anatomical add-ons, what would be the first exhibit, and why?

Alex Minor

In your research, what’s the most scientifically impressive example of the body compensating for or integrating with a man-made substitute, where biology and technology almost seem to collaborate?

Robin Kuehn

I'm wondering if labs making advances away from animal testing (such as organs on a chip) are getting us closer to human replacement tissues? Has animal testing actually been slowing us down?

Alex Minor

In your research on organ replacement and human technophology, did you ever wrestle with the ethical contradiction of using cutting-edge science to extend human life, when, from an ecological standpoint, humanity is already overpopulating and straining the planet?

Erin White

AHH love her <3 Okay so why do we grow human ears and stuff like that on the backs of mice? Do we ever remove those from the animals and attach them to humans? Also, is there a way to do this where we leave the mice alone?

Kayla Higginbotham

Hello there! First time question asker here! Ok! I have been of the opinion for quite some time that eventually we are going to have body parts replaced with robotic ones. Idk if you’ve seen REPO the genetic opera, but if this were to become the case-will it end up being privatized and then if people don’t pay for their body parts they get repossessed? Or is this something that is unlikely to ever happen due to the incompatibility of human biology with eventual robot biology???

jason freer

Will all the current and very near advancements have a huge effect on average lifespan? Will a 75th birthday mark a midlife crisis?

Mini Minnie

I thought I read or heard on a podcast somewhere that a bit of tweaking with the recipient’s thalamus with the donated organ makes the body accept the donated organ as its own. Anything to that? But if your own new parts are being re-grown, that eliminates the need to do any of that?

Chris Eff

Do you anticipate a future where artificial limbs can outperform human limbs and people of means are intentionally replacing their own limbs with robotic ones? In effect, could sporting designer limbs become a vulgar display of one’s own wealth? *screams in dystopian*

Mini Minnie

Can I have some new parts, please? I’ve got stuff that hurts.

Maria Fesz

Not artificial limb-related, but I feel like maybe it still fits…I tore my ACL at age 36 and opted for the cadaver replacement instead of using my own body’s stuff. Why is it that something like that can be replaced with another human’s parts without any issues (blood type matching, compatibility, etc.)?

Moriah Bell

Any research or support for folks that get the parts or stem cells that fail? What happens to those that build up so much hope that a newly made arm will change their life, but it doesn’t take?

SoManyQuestions

How long could it take for insurance to pay for these new treatments? I have dental implants that were still classified as “experimental” when put in despite having been around for decades at that point

Claire Gebben

As a follow up to this I'd love to hear about advances in BCI communication devices. I just read the UC Davis (I think) has a fairly accurate device that can help folks with ALS who have lost the physical ability to speak communicate through thought.

Megan hesselink

Is it possible for someone like Cyborg from Teen Titans to exist? How much fleshy human needs to remain for a human to still function? Can we be mostly robot?

LightBrownPillow

What's the latest on engineering pigs who grow human-compatible internal organs? I read about successful kidney transfer in 2024. Also, are there any surgical advances regarding tinnitus reduction worth mentioning?

Bahdi_Phat

It's all about ethics, ain't it? Will we end up with "do not replace" orders like we have "do not resuscitate" orders now? Will body part replacements become a commodity, e.g. "I can get it for you wholesale." Will "replacement athletes" be banned from competing against "OG athletes"?

Bahdi_Phat

What is the typical "seed" from which you can start "growing in a petri dish"? Are organs or parts grown this way "generic" in the sense that they are all the same genetically, structurally, and functionally? You've grown one pancreas, you've grown them all?

Jacob Morvay

What is the line between fixing and enhancing? Since we are all unique, when does something become more than just a fix? And what are the ethics of using that to advance oneself over another who does not have the same resources. Does it create a bottomless loop of those with resources gathering more?

Feylin

How are emerging technologies like bio printing and artificial intelligence transforming the future of organ transplants and what ethical consideration should accompany those advances?

Sophie Winter

What are your thoughts on replacements that are closer to "cyborg" style? Should replacements be restricted only to those who "need" them because without them their quality of life is lower, or do you think that super-powered replacements are ok? If you think that they should be restricted to people who "need" them, how do you define the threshold?

Turner Pierce

Insulin Pumps. Changing them every 3 days is a pain. Are there any advances in technology that would allow for longer wear? Are implantable devices in the works? Is there any solution other than multiple injections a day or swapping pump sites every 2-3 days?

Morgan

🏳️‍⚧️Trans person here: with the current administrations attacks on the trans and overall queer community, I feel it’s important to bring up that trans people have existed forever, and that studies and operations on trans people have been happening for much longer than mainstream media would have you think. Would love to hear some history on that! (advancements in gender-affirming care and surgeries, research, etc) tysm for all you do in bringing attention to such cool topics, Alie!

Turner Pierce

Printed organs and bones. When I was applying to grad school nearly a decade ago, they were using medical imaging to scan and 3D print bones for anthropology research. I always thought it would be so cool to look at a printed version of my bones/organs. What is going on with 3D printing

ReigningEmily

Uterus transplants? I know the answer is probably “sexism in medicine so we haven’t looked”, but theoretically could a healthy but unwanted uterus go to someone with a malfunctioning uterus and then carry a baby?

Anthony Richards

How far are we to seeing 3d printed organs? Will this lead to cures for things like diabetes, because of pancreas transplants?

Audrey Hudak

Ask about the amazing advances in orthopedics over the past 100 years. I broke my leg last year and my orthopedic doctor put me back together with rods and screws ... It was painful and amazing. 100 years ago I would have lost my leg! (Also Mary Roach is amazing - her books are so good - give her many compliments from me!)

Abby Grieb

Amazing! A family friend recently had a heart transplant. I felt so conflicted hoping for there to be a match for him to get a heart, because I was also hoping for someone else to die. I just kept saying I was hoping for a miracle for him. Are we heading in the direction of growing organs rather than needing donations? Additionally, our friend was kept alive with no heart in his body while they waited for the transplant to arrive (that was delayed by storms on its flight!!! Ahh!!) how the heck did they do that???? Last question… have you heard of or read the book Unwind by Neal Shusterman? Crazy dystopia stuff but very thought provoking. Please tell me that that won’t happen in the future!

Etienne

What are your thoughts on brain implants (Neuralink etc - beyond just the ethical issues with the Neuralink research) given the enshittification of all services by these giant corporations and VC funding that requires a drive to extreme profits. How could we ensure that we won't get advertising direct to the brain, or be artificially influenced (even more so than advertising) by direct brain stimulus. What safeguards would you want in place?

Melody Taylor

First time question asker! I read a meme recently that said, "Oh, you want to put a microchip in your brain? When your memories of your loved ones are hidden behind a paywall, don't come crying to me." What's the potential for corporate abuse with these sorts of advancements?

Madeliene Fox

Okay, how far in advanced technology are we getting to where we are in an episode of black mirror? Like Replaying memories, scrolling through social media in our eyes sight. Like whets one of the most outlandish thing being researched that is so sci-fi?

Wandering Wyatt

This made me think of the Bionic Woman TV show. (Yes - Gen Xer here). Anything in that possible?

Samuel Schaar

Question(s): How many companies/research&development institutions have devoted ethicists or utilize outside ethics minded professionals to help them as they do research and push boundaries of biotechnology? Are there any government or other related oversight organizations that test the ethical mindedness of companies/institutions? Based on your research is there cause for alarm, cause for hope, mix of both, as it relates to the developments in this field?

Marta Barnez

First time question asker! Is there/should there be a line drawn between those who need rebuilt anatomy vs. those who want it? Will it benefit disabled communities or will it just end up being rich weirdos trying to cyborg themselves up as they shoot for Mars? What are the conversations in disabled communities if there’s a growing pressure to “be normal” given the opportunities of technology? Also very important: thoughts on Repo! The Genetic Opera? (formal request to play a sound clip of a song in an aside)

Becca Decker

OMG MARY ROACH (I don't have a question, I just love her :) )

Tom Boodry

Has this sort of replacement or corrective technology been thought of as a treatment for tinnitus?

Megan Mcginnis

First time asked! 🥰 So cyborgs. Like The Terrminator, Robocop and Seven of Nine, how close are we to that being a reality?

Andy Pepper

Mary Roach!! So where are we with treating rejection for things like stem cell transplant? Had a friend whose father had a stem cell rejection, and even though he was “cured” to some degree, it was really questionable whether his quality of life improved.

mish the fish

is there room for gender affirming care in the world of rebuilt anatomy?

Andy Pepper

Also where we at with face transplants these days? I’ll never forget the early one here at MGH for the woman who was mauled by the chimpanzee (so upsetting for all). The complexities of the face never occurred to me before that.

Andy Pepper

On maybe the least sexy note, is there anything better coming down the pipe (lol) for folks with ostomy systems? I know the system itself must’ve been a huge advance, but it seems like we’d have made more progress on tubes that could live inside the body at this point?

Nancy Kay Clark

After menopause, many of us experience a domino-effect of symptoms (see Alie's Menopause episode(s) for more on that). For me, it was hypothyroidism, allergies, fibromyalgia, plus the usual expected weight gain, decreased libido, sleep disruptions, this list goes on. What advances might be in our future to help keep our hormones in balance and reduce the pains of aging. I don't want to live longer, but thriving longer would be nice.

redheadedscientist

Very excited about this! I'm a cell biologist but this is definitely not my field, so apologies for my naive questions. I'm curious about the techniques used. What are the advantages of using ESCs vs iPSCs? Will CRISPR technology (ie adenovirus-mediated genetic engineering of an adult tissue) be used in conjunction with this, perhaps to mitigate the immune response or to edit the cells in a dish? Will growing human organs in animals become more common (and what are the ethical implications of this)? What cell types or organs are the most challenging to engineer? Is this why people are saving their babies' umbilical cords?

Eloísa Fróes

please please what was the deal with the Vacanti mouse? was it an important breakthrough for transplant science or more like one of those pears grown in a mold to look like buddhas? i think about that mouse a lot.

Karen Larson

So excited about Mary Roach! *2nd* time question asker (you may remember my mosquitoes question: "Why?" lol): What are the economic issues with this topic? Do you have to have money to participate in these advances?

Meagan Walker

Omgomgomg Mary Roach and Alie Ward together?!? I need a moment to compose myself. 😆

Amanda Lask

Is it true that we've grown organs for human use from pig/animal cells and how are these organic cells taken from the donor?? Is it just a couple cells and the donor organism can go on and live a healthy life, or something more life threatening to the donor?

Sleepy John

We have prosthetics for large joint like knees and hips. Do we have something for hands, to relieve arthritis in knuckles?

Bennett Vanderbosch

Where are we at with hand prosthetics that you place onto yourself, such as if you have an amputated arm? Fine motor skills and coordinating with all those muscles seems like such a hurdle.

Damsel Cosplay

I’m curious what Mary thinks about more “permanent” prosthetic limbs and how that could affect the brain’s perception of the body. Especially when I was born with a limb difference — where in the world will my brain thing my “hand” is in space if it’s kind of in two places? (From my friend who has a Psyonic prosthetic arm)

Damsel Cosplay

I know this is question submission but I have horrible chronic hand pain and can endorse compression gloves to support that type of hand/finger pain! 💜

Dr. Primo Delicata, retired organ grinder

Any further progress on loading a 3D printer with cells and making a functional urinary bladder that both stores urine and can empty effectively?

protect_trans_lives

Hello, I’m curious about gender affirming applications. How far is the science from being able to 3D print or transplant penises for transmasculine folks? I’ve heard whispers of this but that real life applications were decades out.

CurtisDawg

That TV show - "6 Million Dollar Man". Dude got 2 legs, an arm and an eye... Is that show realistic? I mean, with inflation and all, how much can $6M get you these days?

Sarah EG

the human knee is a mechanical disaster and we can do knee replacements and tendon/ligament replacements, but how long until we can have meniscus replacements?

Jason Lowenthal

I remember seeing a special on TV in the early nineties about "growing" human tissue and they spoke about, eventually, organs. At the time, they were "printing" skin for skin grafts. We are at least 35 years from this and it doesn't seem like there's been a lot of progress. I imagine there will be a lot of discussion on this, but what's the progress? Has science been the major holdback, or is it funding and ethics stuff?

Between Dumplings

I'm at the "oh, this arthritis stuff is not fun" age. Occurs to me that so much of the degradation is caused by inflammation, so would replacing a wild and wonky joint be a solution or would the inflammatory process do the same thing to the new joint?

Agegamon

How far in the future (assuming this doesn't exist yet) are do-it-yourself or "open source" parts for people? Are we approaching some sort of "my local makerspace printed me a kidney" or more realistically an implant? How about something maybe possible today, like a prosthetic?

Agegamon

I used to work in medical device design and materials testing and was dismayed by all the ways that cost snowballed at every step. Are there ways that things might turn around in the future and make even things like prosthetics more accessible? What about implants/organs/beyond?

Amy Arugula

When someone is cremated and the meta bits are left over, can they be recycled?

Allison Reid

I work with stroke patients and have heard about vagus nerve stimulation to improve hemiparesis symptoms. I'm curious what the Ologist thinks about this technology!

Megan Younce

Oooh I have no questions but this seems fascinating and I've loved Mary Roach since reading Stiff over a decade ago. Can't wait to listen!

Pseudonym Jones IV

I've always imagined that when I became a cyborg (of any sort), I would want my add-ons to be as cool (or weird) as possible. They're there, why not have fun with them? I figure LEDs, Swiss Army tools, CCDs, and squirtguns are just the start. What are the weirdest augmented prosthetica you have encountered?

Zoe Anderson

how do you know if a body will will accept/reject a transplant? is there such a thing as partial integration? what does that look like?

Zoe Anderson

what are your thoughts on the ship of theseus?

Jennifer Grogan

THIS! I read Stiff for an anthropology class (Comp Death ftw) years ago, and have since read absolutely everything she's written.

Jennifer Grogan

How far away do we realistically think we are from replacement eyeballs (or parts thereof)? Has there been significant movement in this direction? Also, not exactly on topic but definitely related: How are we doing at fixing things like phantom limb syndrome for people who have lost a limb but still feel it? I hear the pain can be bad, but the itching in/on a part that doesn't exist anymore sounds absolutely maddening. I remember a while ago there was some work on this involving mirrors (?), but I haven't heard any more in a while. Has progress been made?

Rose Moon

Not a question but a fun comment: there's a women's roller derby meeting/conference every summer in Las Vegas. One of the regular games is robots v zombies. You can play on the robots team if you have a derby injury that required metal rods, pins, etc. to fix it. These are often ankle injuries. To be on the zombie team, you need to have had an injury that required cadaver tendon or ligament! These are often knee injuries.

Rich Orner

The human body is an incredible machine. Just think about the complexities of carrying a cup of coffee down the steps in the dark with out spillage! In my opinion, one of the biggest weak points is the sciatic nerve pathway. Too many ways to pinch that nerve for a lifetime of pain. Are there any studies into improving that situation?

Kait

oh no help I googled it whyyyy

Renee Wanger

Oooohhhhh I am excited to listen to this one!!!

Ranger France

I don't know if I saw this somewhere or if I am making it up in my noggin, but I remember there being an ear prosthetic grown on a mouse. Would that be able to better the hearing if the eardrum was still intact? Or would you then also have to engineer an eardrum- if that's even possible!

Ranger France

How are things actually looking when talking about the timeline of being able to bioengineer organs to use for transplants rather than solely relying on donors?

Emma de Carvalho

If you’re familiar with Donna Haraway’s ’A Cyborg Manifesto’, what are your thoughts? What do you think about cyborg feminism?

Zinc

what is you opinion on transhumanism? do you think if would be the right decision for us to be fully roboticised and digitised?

Zinc

what is your opinion of this area of science improving the quality fo lives for trans people, and us being able to access bodies that better align with our needs, therefore lowering gender dysphoria?

Matt Hirschl

ETHICS Question: What is the biggest concern from alarmists about this technology??

Malorie Albee

How does the possibility of replacing body parts affect human rights and ethics concerning the body? If the whole body can be scrapped/replaced, what part of the human body, in isolation, has rights (if any rights exist in isolation)? For example, NAGPRA, an act concerning repatriation of Native American Ancestral remains, considers hair, nails, DNA samples, and even burial soil (presumably containing decomposition fluids) to be human and subject to repatriation. Which of these would be considered human in a larger sense? Furthermore, what rights do we have to body parts that are removed? I know people who were allowed to keep their extracted wisdom teeth while some weren't, citing biohazard concerns. Shouldn't I have the right to my own body parts? What about rights to have blood samples, etc. returned or at least assured that they are destroyed after testing and not kept for future research (like Henrietta Lacks)? I think the ability to switch out body parts in this way makes these ethical issues even more fraught.

AussieColin

At age 65, I have a number of parts that I'd LOVE to have replaced with bionic alternatives. I find myself wondering about the limits of how many parts can be replaced before you are no longer 'you' - as per the old "Ship of Theseus" thought experiment where they keep replacing parts of Theseus' ship and the question is at what point is it not his ship any more. I'm guessing that the brain is the limit but with AI gaining ability all the time perhaps that could be replaced too, with your friends unable to tell the difference. Not a pleasant thought!

AussieColin

I seem to recall reading a science fiction story many years ago where your consciousness could be downloaded into mechanical bodies that could then explore utterly hostile environments on other planets. At the end of the 'shift' they'd be back in their original bodies. I think it may have been James P. Hogan but I can't find confirmation of this. Not entirely on point to this topic but an interesting sideline idea.

AussieColin

Oh, now here's some horrifying dystopian thoughts! Most replacements beyond simple joint replacements will almost certainly contain computer chips. So... a) who owns them and can the software that runs your 'parts' be disabled by the manufacturer if you don't pay your annual license fee? This is an increasing trend in software after all, where the ownership resides with the company. eg Windows & Office. And before you say "Oh, they'd never do that" I think you may underestimate the mercenary nature of modern business. Remember the tactics of the tobacco companies. Or the Ford Pinto. I'd bet money that if they could turn off a replacement part without killing you but 'only' causing discomfort and inconvenience, they would. ii) what happens when your latest software update that's mandated by the manufacturer introduces a bug. Perhaps even one that kills you? Think Cloudstrike! 3) could your implants be hacked? Perhaps an enemy state might discover a hack that lets them switch off everyone's pacemaker at the same time? Δ) could your implants be set to report everything you do to the manufacturer? This is, after all, already happening with a number of systems *cough*Google*cough* Only now not just what you're doing but what your emotional response to it is.

Olivia K

Hello! I was just speaking to a friend about how this specifically could apply to gender affirming care and gender dysmorphia/dysphoria and if such treatments would/should/could be covered by health insurance and the implications of that. If we could also grow certain body parts gender affirming care, what would that look like/be possible/even more affirming?

julia_loves_fun_facts

Big fan of Mary (read her for the first time in 8th grade), I am a biomechanist who works with osseointegrated endoprosthetics. Can Mary please speak to the lifespan of implantable devices, especially when it comes to rejection or fibrous encapsulation which may disrupt signal transmission over time?

Megan Younce

I definitely need to catch up on her catalog!! I've read Stiff, Bonk, Spook, and Gulp, and loved every word of all of them. I'm so excited for this episode, she's an incredible writer.

Kari Hiser

First-timer here! As an elder millennial in the states I’ve seen older family members deal with insurance rejections. Ex: My mother-in-law was forced to go thru hip replacement surgery twice b/c the equipment used in the first operation was an older model and it failed. It ended up causing more pain and more money to replace it. Looking ahead when our generation might need these advancements, how available do you think these choices will be and will most of us truly benefit from the latest and greatest option? I imagine/hope the scientific community factors this in but to what extent.

Meagan Walker

Which organs seem the best candidates for artificial vs donor replacements?

Meagan Walker

How the heck do bones fuse to the new joints in hip and knee replacements?

Meagan Walker

I’ve noticed that strength training before a knee or hip replacement has helped clients recover faster. Are there things you can do in advance of replacing other body parts that help improve recovery?

Leanna Shuster

Is the makeup of the patient's microbiome important to consider in the implant process? Would it be implicated in implant rejection?

Andie Corcoran

Why can people live without certain organs and not have them replaced? Does function matter regarding what is or isn’t replaced?

Kittens8myhomework

Is the medical community anywhere close to the idea of replacing joints maybe a little prematurely in people who show signs of further joint degradation in their future? I was diagnosed with degenerative disc dz at 25 and had a disectomy and arthroplasty in my cervical spine at 28 (not due to an accident) and just had my 1st lumbar-sacral surgery last month. I know based on MRIs that I will need more surgeries in the future and my family always joke I will have a bionic spine before I die. But I have to go through years of pain, disability and exaulting non effective treatments prior to getting the ok for surgery, hence my question. Thanks Alie for these great topics!

Empress of Smallwood

What body part is currently the most replaced? How do you see this changing as technology develops?

Yuri

Not a question, but a request. Talking about this kind stuff there can be some deep unconscious ableism, in many facets. I don’t know the interviewee so I don’t know their take. But yeah, this topic, even the questions, can be fraught. A really good book is Disability Visibility edited by Alice Wong. And Against Technoableism by Ashley Shew.

Felix Lasselle

Does a phantom limb syndrome effect ever line back up with the new prosthesis?

Felix Lasselle

Where is the line between replacing a body part due to "disability" (or more appropriate term) vs replacing body parts due to aging/overuse? Do you foresee "cosmetic" replacements happening in the near future and what is your take on that?

Your Left Knee

I had my right kidney removed in 2016. The nephrologists told me that my left kidney will grow to almost double size. Is this growth a regenerative process that can be exploited to grow an entire new human kidney, or might it be closer to muscles getting larger when you work out?

James Orsatti

What emotional or psychological effects have you observed in people with integrated technology?

Faith Stemmler

How do doctors decide what body parts get a technological upgrade? Does it have to do with supply and demand of organs being donated? Do we have "smart" limbs yet?

Bob in Oregon

as an owner-operator of four artificial joints, i want to suggest that [a] artificial joints qualify for this topic; and [b] we the needy would really prefer to have organic replacements grown from our own cells. I think there is some recent advancement in harvesting stem cells from wisdom teeth? and separately, using stem cells to regrow knee ligaments ? please please tell us more Dad Ward....

T Noz

Was just listening to Elon Inc podcast. They talked about vision enhancement like Geordi on Star Trek NG by Neuralink. How close is this technology to being real? Been to the Tesla Cafe yet :)

McKenzie W

First time question asker! In what ways can this field provide gender affirming care? Are there applications of this technology that can help Trans folks?

Jamie

First time question asker! This is such an interesting topic, and the concept of tissue engineering is extremely intriguing to me. In an environmental science course, our class discussed the implications of genetic engineering of crops and the concept of ownership over DNA sequences, my question is: in the case of tissue engineering, is there the potential for some form of ownership over someone’s tissue, so that it can be used long term to provide spare tissues/organs for many people. What would the legal implications of this be? In the case of GMO crops, there were many negative consequences to this type of ownership. What would this look like in terms of tissue engineering? (I don’t have an education in human anatomy or health science, etc so this may not even make sense but I’m curious)

Jacinda

Can you share where science, medicine and technology are regarding the actual and near-future benefits of banking cord blood (and tissue) for stem cells? Is it worthwhile or just an expensive theory (with marketing) that’s not likely to actually be beneficial?

Clairebear

MARY ROACH, I AM SUCH A FAN!!!!!!! I love all of your books. When asked, I'd say that funny science books are my favorite genre, however that's mostly based on how much I enjoyed YOUR books. This desire for more palatable, enjoyable science learning has led me to Ologies, which I love listening to as much as I love reading your works. As for my question: I know from the axolotl episode that scientists are studying regenerative properties of animals like axolotls, SO my question is what's the craziest (unexpected) animal or plant that science is studying in hopes to use regeneration in humans?

Bill

First-timer: when do you think medical technology will advance enough to allow reliable replacement of damaged cartilage, such as the knee meniscus, with regenerated or artificial cartilage?

Kathleen Sachs

Is the Ologist a fan of Doctor Who? Which villain do they prefer? Daleks or Cyberman?

Kathleen Sachs

Are there any TV shows or movies that get it right?

Kathleen Sachs

I have had multiple family members get knee replacement surgery? It’s supposed to be one of the most painful surgeries ever? Why does it hurt so ding dang much?

Kathleen Sachs

What joint is the easiest to replace? What joint is the hardest?

Myra Poundstone

I’d love it if you could ask her opinion on spinal surgeries. It’s a big and complicated topic, but it’s one of those things that is unfortunately necessary for some people, but all too often not only doesn’t help, but actually makes things worse in an already dire situation. I’d love to know whether she thinks things are improving in that space and any exciting things she knows of on the horizon.

Stephanie Strifert

My sister and I listened to a ridiculous amount of Ologies episodes while doing a four month road trip together a few years ago, but neither of us have ever asked a question – until now! Are the deaf community's views towards cochlear implants replicated across other body parts / senses / abilities or is it unique to that one case?

The Deal with Animals- Podcast

Love Mary, she's an enjoyable person to interview! Knowing everything she knows about joint replacement when she opt for a joint replacement if she needed one or do everything in her power to avoid it if she could?

Kristianna Marczeski

Her book Stiff was delightful for a spooky-inclined biology nerd