The technology for making human body parts is evolving rapidly. The process is much like an inkjet printer (the early prototypes actually were inkjet printers !). Layer after layer of cells are deposited until the whole part is made. A scaffold of collagen can be made from the old part by dissolving away everything else with chemicals. Stem cells fill the void. Human hearts will probably be one of the first parts available but if you could replace parts of your body, where would you start? Would you make any changes?

Remember that the stem cells are supposed to be derived from your own body as well! No rejection therapy needed at all!

Now there is something that is part of the Human Genome research where they give you a "Retro Virus" aka the cold modified to rewrite some of your genetics to correct cancer as well as other problems. This also goes hand in hand with current Anagathics research. There is thought that in making certain corrections they can semi reverse the effects of aging and extend out life spans.

The problem is that viruses are a little too unpredictable at times for us to understand how to make this work for us.

That and there is experimentation to use genetically altered pigs for body part replacements. It is mentioned in an animation called "Ghost in the Shell" where it shows a pig farm with bar coded animals in pens used for human replacement body parts.

Now that is just down right Frankenstein!

I dont need to replace any vital organs (yet) but Im glad that Obama has kicked this stem cell research into high gear. It fell into a lull during the Bush administration. I imagine at some point they will be able to generate new pancreas for those that suffer with diabetes and Type 1 specifically. With type 1, the bodies own immune system attacks the insulin producing beta cells. Its different than Type 2 which is more along the lines of older people and obesity.

It's wild how pig parts are compatible to us.

The problem with using a virus or otherwise altering the existing body part is that our cells are limited in the number of times they can reproduce. The telemeres at the end of the DNA lose a knot with reproduction and you only have so many to lose. A new part would start from scratch with a fresh lifespan. The only part that seems non replaceable would be the brain. If you grew a new one it just wouldn't be you. I guess you could add an SD card slot.

That's because brain cells are the only cells in the body that don't reproduce.

That was the thinking for a long time but more recent studies indicate that may be incorrect. Under certain conditions the brain can heal itself like any other part, but to a much more limited degree.

In answer to the OP...I'd love to replace all my joints...I was born with a degenerative, congenital disorder called Ehler's-Danlos Syndrome...basically it affects the joints & connective tissues. Chronic pain, no surgery, no cure. One of our Mods...also shares this disorder. But hey! I've dealt with it all my life & like all obstacles...it's just a lil inconvienence... One of the perks: We're double-jointed! And Pssssssst! May is Nat'l EDS month...

Our brain cells send out connections to other cells as we develop habits, memories, and experiences. Even if all the cells were reproduced, we would never be able to re "hardwire" the connections that make us who we are.

Yes, The brain does heal. It heals much better and quicker with children. But isn't the healing in the way of nerve growth and not cell replication?

s new Pancreas and Kidney so i can get rid of this diabetes!

What wasn't curable ten years ago might be a piece of cake ten years from now. I'm hoping they find one quick for your illness.

I know they never will be able to replace that mind! It would take too much head scratching to figger it out!

Are you a Type 1? They are working on that now. You can get involved in a study if you are interested.

Young Frankenstein is one of my fave movies...just call me Normal...Abby Normal...

Since the movie came out, there's been a joke with my friends about me being Abbie Normal.

Liver, then I could keep up my early 20's lifestyle.

You won't anyway. Your testosterone will decrease as you grow older and you will become more mature. At least that's how it's supposed to work.

Some believe that extreme caloric restriction can lead to longer life. If that is so then how many calories can I consume before death sets in?

hahah, yea when I read those studies my first thought was what use is life without lots of good food!