Chasing Life How Far Would You Go to Replace Your Body? Mary Roach Has Thoughts
Jan 16, 2026
In this engaging conversation, Mary Roach, a renowned science writer known for her humorous exploration of anatomy, dives into her latest work, Replaceable You. She discusses the fascinating history of prosthetics, from ancient nose surgeries to modern 3D-printed tissues. Roach also shares insights on elective amputations and the evolution of smart prosthetics, battling infection risks, and the future of xenotransplantation. Her humorous take on these topics makes the complex ethical conversations surrounding body replacements both accessible and intriguing.
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Elective Amputation For Function
- Judy Berna chose elective amputation because her malformed foot from spina bifida limited hiking and running.
- She preferred a prosthetic that enabled activities her natural foot could not provide.
Better Prosthetics Shift Risk–Benefit Balance
- As prosthetics improve, elective amputations may become easier to justify for better function.
- Surgeons worry about finality, phantom pain, insurance, and liability when considering removal of a limb.
Compare Salvage With Prosthetic Outcomes
- Compare limb-salvage outcomes with prosthetic outcomes when advising patients.
- Use objective studies showing prosthetics often yield better long-term function to guide decisions.
