Will We Ever HAVE the BIO-TECHNOLOGY to GROW TALLER?

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 take offense to the idea that shorter people date less, are less respected and may be less intelligent. I'm only 5'2" and I date often, have the great respect of my friends and coworkers, make more money than the majority of my friends and have always scored well on tests and had an A-B average in my classes. I wouldn't change my height for anything.

Variety is what makes us special. Why would we want everyone to be taller? Sometimes it's an advantage to be able to get into small spaces.

Answer 2

Wow, interesting, I think I might have just learned something knew. This is my first year in a Biotechnology class, and we haven't done a lot. But most likely, science will at least try to find a solution to everything. When the ultrasound thing will actually work may be a month, a year, 5 years, or in a decade. But probably in the next ten years. Maybe midgets, won't be midgets anymore. But I mean, if you feel a little short, (not you the asker, but a person) then you should just try to raise you self-esteem, instead of turning to science to solve all your problems. Especially breaking your kneecaps to grow a couple of cm.

Answer 3

Well.. I'm short and the only reason I don't get paid alot is because I chose a job that didn't pay much. Dating.. I have had no problems there....I am very respected because I am a decent person.. I doubt my lack of height has much to do with my respectability.. As for being less intelligent... I know alot of tall people who are dumb as door nails. SO I believe your theory is a crock of crap. I like being short... and the man I love loves that I am short.... My respectability, attractiveness and\or intelligence has nothing to do with my height.( or lack thereof)

Answer 4

You can break your kneecaps to grow a few inches taller, however, it is very painful.
Taking prescribed medications to grow taller if you are a child as well seems to work.