S8 Ep1221: **Mary Roach**, author of *Replaceable You*, explores the past, present, and future of reconstructing or replacing human anatomy. Roach details the treatment of severe third-degree burns using allografts from cadavers or unconventional biological dressing episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 9, 2026 · 37 MIN

S8 Ep1221: **Mary Roach**, author of *Replaceable You*, explores the past, present, and future of reconstructing or replacing human anatomy. Roach details the treatment of severe third-degree burns using allografts from cadavers or unconventional biological dressing

from The John Batchelor Show · host John Batchelor

Mary Roach, author of Replaceable You, explores the past, present, and future of reconstructing or replacing human anatomy. Roach details the treatment of severe third-degree burns using allografts from cadavers or unconventional biological dressings like Icelandic cod skin. Advancements in 3D-printing allow researchers to use "ink" made of cells and collagen to create complex structures like heart ventricles and valves. Furthermore, the book examines xenotransplantation, which involves using genetically edited pigs to provide "stop-gap" organs for patients on waiting lists, and the potential for chimeras to grow human-compatible kidneys. Beyond high-tech solutions, Roach highlights the impact of tissue donation, where a single deceased donor can benefit 70 people through gifts of bone, skin, and corneas. Finally, Roach investigates the history of nasal repair and modern plastic surgeons' application of the Fibonacci sequence to achieve mathematical perfection in aesthetic procedures. (1)

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S8 Ep1221: **Mary Roach**, author of *Replaceable You*, explores the past, present, and future of reconstructing or replacing human anatomy. Roach details the treatment of severe third-degree burns using allografts from cadavers or unconventional biological dressing

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