Will We Ever HAVE the BIO-TECHNOLOGY to GROW TALLER and CHOOSE OUR HEIGHT?

Question

This question appeals to transhumanists, doctors, students, biotechnologists, and philosophers - basically anyone.

Once the epiphyseal plates of the long bones have closed, further bone growth is considered impossible. Considering that height, or lack thereof, has considerable sociological ramifications, will it be possible to one day "choose" our height? Many of you know that shorter people are on average paid less, date less, and are respected less. A recent study revealed that shorter people may even be less intelligent.

Can biotechnology, nanotechnology, future medical technology help allieviate this disease to the people it has already inflicted? We already have the "Ilizarov Method," or 'limb lenghtening' method as one form of primative invasive biotechnology.

Recently, an ultrasound device has been developed by scientists to regrow teeth. It may be one day used for people to gain height. Please read the attached link. When do you think this will happen?

http://www.medgadget.com/archives/2006/06/ultrasound_base.html

Answer 1

i hope not! too much wackiness going on now

Answer 2

Pretty cool thought isn't it? But I don't think people will need that enough for scientists to spend millions creating the machine & technology that "can make you taller" -but as for using it to regrow teeth and bones- HOW AMAZING! We as people have other impeding issues that need to be addressed before any questions can even be answered regarding this bio-technology. Anyway- the current limb lenghtening method is extremely painful, immobilizing, and only used for severe problems... not something your average joe would want to start!

Answer 3

Actually, we do have the capabilities now to induce growth in a full grown human. Unfortunately, the government and big business are working together to keep this technology a secret. I'm not sure what exactly, but they seem to have some plan to use this as a sort of military weapon.