Science and Inquiry discussion

For January 2026, we will be reading Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy y Mary Roach.

Please use this thread to post questions, comments, and reviews, at any time.

Roach's 2025 book describes how advancements in gene editing and 3D printing technology might further make our anatomy "replaceable." Note use of the key word, "further." As the author profiles numerous, relevant scientists she expresses fact-based concern about the Trump administration's cuts to medical research which threaten to interrupt the "pipeline of innovation and discovery."

What sticks with me is especially relevant to ongoing end-of-the-year holiday feasts mixed with super abundant laughing and talking. I learned about the long understood, complex functioning of our taken-for-granted epiglottis. Its dysfunction or impairment, whether due to trouble during the not-so-rare hospital intubation procedure, or not, can introduce oral-region microbes or small food particles into the lungs as a precursor to life threatening or life ending pneumonia.

At times, there's an element of future shock to this well-written, fire hose blast of replacement stories about, for example: skin, hair follicles, limbs, genitalia, eye components, and internal organs. I listened to the audiobook which was superbly read by the author.

Consider checking this book out as a treat to satisfy your curiosity about: a) the human body, b) the history of replacing its parts, and c) possibilities around the corner.

I'm glad to hear the audiobook was good because I'm awaiting a new pair of glasses and that, combined with super short dark days, has really slowed down my reading. It's included in premium Spotify so I may as well give it a try!

I am enjoying Mary Roach’s usual humor while she is telling what are really remarkable body-part replacement histories of physicians experimenting on their poor patients.

I've got the audio book on hold and am looking forward to reading it. Mary Roach has such a unique approach to her topics.

I'm still waiting for my library copy to become available. They say it should be soon. I think I'm now 5th in line.

I finally got my copy from Libby, and am enjoying this, as usual. Not many nonfiction books make me laugh out loud, but Mary Roach does, as usual.

I read this book because I am considering surgery. I wanted to learn something useful before my consultation. I didn’t get practical information for myself, but it was interesting and enjoyable reading. I hope I get an opportunity to share an anecdote at a party some day.

Just finished the chapter on transgender surgeries. Fascinating how one part of the body can be used to replace another one.