Mary Roach on the Remarkable, Replaceable Human Body
Summary
Radio West host Doug Fabrizio interviews author Mary Roach about her new book, *Replaceable You*, which explores the history and science of body part replacements. Roach discusses topics ranging from Victorian masticators and historical nose reconstructions to modern xenotransplantation and bio-printing. She highlights the immense complexity of human anatomy, arguing that while artificial replacements are improving, they rarely match the grace and functionality of our original biological parts.
Topics discussed
Introduction and sponsor message
Mary Roach's inspiration and the premise of Replaceable You
The history of dentures and the illusion of progress
Historical nose replacements and surgical flaps
Xenotransplantation: Pig organs for humans in China
Organ viability and the theory of 'Vitalin'
The rectum as a third lung for premature infants
Penile reconstruction using a finger in Georgia
Ethical considerations in gender-affirming surgery
Low-tech cataract surgeries in rural Mongolia
Ostomy stigma and the value of original body parts
Funding cuts and the pace of bio-printing research
Artificial tears and the complexity of the human body
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