wolfeman Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 Buckle up kiddos, this is going to be a wild one. I have a question for anyone who knows a lot about biology, or, if you are in a college level plus class, for your teacher. Based on the way the skeleton is made and maintained, I was wondering if it would theoretically be possible to reprogram the cells to make bones out of something stronger than calcium. Also, if it is possible, what possible complications might arise from such an act? Malnutrition? Some kind of marrow disease? A skeleton that's too heavy for your muscles to carry? By the way, this is for use in a story, so don't go thinking I'm Dr. Frankenstein or anything. Anyway, I appreciate your input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grim_Reefer Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 No it isn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pali Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 Based on the way the skeleton is made and maintained, I was wondering if it would theoretically be possible to reprogram the cells to make bones out of something stronger than calcium. Also, if it is possible, what possible complications might arise from such an act? Malnutrition? Some kind of marrow disease? A skeleton that's too heavy for your muscles to carry? Theoretically possible? Most things are theoretically possible, and yes, I'd consider this one to be so also. It's require an incredible understanding of our DNA that we currently lack. As for complications... *shrugs* a skeleton that's too heavy for the muscles, too weak for the stress, doesn't produce blood cells... lots of possibilities there too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister E Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 This kinda question makes me wish the world wasn't so anti gene studies. If scientists were allowed to do more experiments we coul dbe very advanced down the line in many fields. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarriorCleric Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 I think it's a little far fetched for reality, but I'll ask my buddy about it for you, though I don't think it's really up his line of biology. His First Study His Second Study with Original Research Going to be presented on Monday.(Warning, big file: 17mb) Currently he is doing Breast Cancer Research for his grad lab. Though for his doctoral application I believe he is hoping to do gene studies. I'm showing his Studies/Research with his permission, I am showing them because I hate scientific discussion on forums because most people haven't any clue what they are talking about, they are just wikipedia experts, so this is sorta like me backing up my source when I get some info. Also, this seems like another freespeechwiki subject, if it should be done if it could. WC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brsingr Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 or, instead of reprogramming the cells, you could just get surgery, and have titanium bones inserted, although it would have to be replaced every 15 years. we have the technology to put in titanium, and to make it so the body will stop trying to dissolve it, and it is commonly known that titanium is stronger than bone. although we do not currently have the technology to "reprogram" -for lack of a better word- the cells, i am sure it will come sometime in the near future. note- we couldnt put titanium in place of all the bones, as we'd die from disease due to lack of white/red blood cells Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chayesh Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 So...titanium would decomp after 15 years, and we'd lose the ability to heal, fight disease, grow, etc. But damn if our bones wouldn't break. I've broken one bone in my life. I've grown for 21 years, been sick dozens of times. I think I'm good with the way my bones were originally designed, thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Forsaken Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 If it's just for a story, then why does it matter if it's possible or not? (And yeah, I've heard of people(idiots if you ask me) getting metal implants in their knuckles so they can knock the piss outta people in fights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 It's not possible chemically/biologically now. Calcium is used in our bones, but it's also used in a great deal more processes. Calcium ions are involved in cell signalling ranging from how adrenaline and insulin affect metabolism to when a cell should divide or die. The bones serve as structural support, but also as a reserve for calcium ions. In addition, as they mentioned previously, the bone barrow is where blood cells are produced, and modifying the ossification process would require changes to the bone marrow; we'd be in way over our heads making changes to the system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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