# How would you change the human body? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 15, 2009, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116 "2009-09-15T00:33:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Never\_Say\_Dice](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ee59a6/32.png) [@Never\_Say\_Dice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Never_Say_Dice)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/61 "2009-09-15T20:50:32Z")
I don’t see why we can’t have spares of organs other than kidneys. Even our spare lung is not considered optional. Starfish get replacement rays, and geckos replacement tails. I want a spare heart and prostate. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/62 "2009-09-15T21:19:29Z")
> [@Lightnin](#): > > [QUOTE=corkboard] > So I could be vulnerable to melanomas all over? No thanks. I thought it was UV which caused melanomas, not melanin. [/QUOTE] Correct. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/63 "2009-09-15T21:57:56Z")
Things to fix [ul] [li]Spinal Discs that slip[/li][li]Hernias[/li][li]Respiratory illness sensitivity[/li][li]Chelate & excrete metalic poisons[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/64 "2009-09-15T22:01:26Z")
> [@Never\_Say\_Dice](#): > > I don’t see why we can’t have spares of organs other than kidneys. Even our spare lung is not considered optional. Starfish get replacement rays, and geckos replacement tails. I want a spare heart and prostate. We’re gonna bulk up a lot with all these extra bits. Maybe we need to have a trunk. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2009, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/65 "2009-09-16T07:55:32Z")
> [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](#): > > We’re gonna bulk up a lot with all these extra bits. Maybe we need to have a trunk. Or we’d just be taller. Take advantage of the faster, more conductive nerves I mentioned earlier and move the brain down into the chest, where it’ll be better protected. The extra space inside the head can be filled with larger and extra sense organs, or perhaps a less vital organ from the torso. Make as many joints as possible into universal joints ( like the wrist or shoulder ) instead of hinge joints, for more flexibility. An organic computer, designed to grow on the surface of the brain and grant it computer functions. Besides any advantages it gives in itself, having it there and growing up with it will likely make augmenting the brain with a probably more powerful replacement synthetic computer easier and more effective. The brain will already have interface points on the surface, and will have learned from birth how to take advantage of computer style information processing. ---
**Author:** ![Picard\_Kills\_Kirk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/dec6dc/32.png) [@Picard\_Kills\_Kirk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Picard_Kills_Kirk)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2009, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/66 "2009-09-16T19:42:37Z")
I think humans could learn a lot from studying a few episodes of star trek. I would like be able to reroute emergency power (energy, blood supply, etc) to or away from any part of my body on demand. When I need to do something crazy, I would like to detach the saucer (my belly) until needed again. I also am scared of choking, so I would suggest an alternative air intake through the back of the head, or the belly button. I would make all arms two inches longer, so you could always reach whatever is on the ground just out of reach. A cool idea for this would be telescope arms. I would also like a better filtration system for breathing air. I hate when I forget to put on a dust mask when I’m doing something, and end up coughing for the next two days because of saw dust. ---
**Author:** ![butler1850](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@butler1850](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/butler1850)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2009, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/67 "2009-09-16T19:51:34Z")
How about a return to the “thumb” on your foot? We’d need a new shoe design, but it’d be fun to be able to really grab things with your feet, and use them as a 2nd set of hands. I agree on the heartiness of joints, including, but not limited to knees, shoulders, and vertebrae. ---
**Author:** ![Silvorange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/68 "2009-09-17T04:01:37Z")
All of mine have been covered except adjustable metabolism (or did I miss it?). ---
**Author:** ![ChrisBooth12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e95f7d/32.png) [@ChrisBooth12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChrisBooth12)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/69 "2009-09-17T05:55:54Z")
xray vision, super strength, claws that pierce outta my knuckles, and flight ---
**Author:** ![Maiira](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f04885/32.png) [@Maiira](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maiira)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/70 "2009-09-17T06:43:44Z")
-A self-abort or fetal re-absorption option, like with rabbits. -Eyes on stalks so that they could swivel around and see in all directions. -Bright colors (like purple, green, or blue) as natural hair colors. -The ability to change hair type without the aid of harsh chemicals and straighteners/curlers. ---
**Author:** ![Polerius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d78d45/32.png) [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/71 "2009-09-17T08:04:38Z")
> [@Sunspace](#): > > Separate the breathing and eating passages! Yes! That’s what I came in to say. Our throat/breathing tube design is the stupidest thing ever! > [@foolsguinea](#): > > Two hearts This too. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/72 "2009-09-17T09:54:26Z")
> [@StaudtCJ](#): > > I’ll be the one to address this, I guess. Who in the world thought putting a playground in between two sewers was a good idea? If I could talk with the Creator and set down fer a spell. I’d lament their tain’t space between heaven and hell. ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/73 "2009-09-17T10:41:14Z")
> [@drastic\_quench](#): > > stronger more capable digestive system - able to process grasses, hard grains, raw meat/guts, bones, basically any food as defined by animals – with the accompanying lack of taste or appreciation of flavor that these respective animals seem to have You’d want to get rid of one of the greatest pleasures in life - appreciation of flavour - in order to be able to eat raw guts? I’m always surprised by the number of questions on the SDMB along the lines of “Is there just one food I can eat forever and survive on”, or protein shakes and vitamin pills etc. Is there something about the membership here that they dislike food or somehow get no pleasure from eating different and varied foods? ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/74 "2009-09-17T11:03:14Z")
> [@Colophon](#): > > You’d want to get rid of one of the greatest pleasures in life - appreciation of flavour - in order to be able to eat raw guts? > > I’m always surprised by the number of questions on the SDMB along the lines of “Is there just one food I can eat forever and survive on”, or protein shakes and vitamin pills etc. Is there something about the membership here that they dislike food or somehow get no pleasure from eating different and varied foods? many people do view food as fuel … which I find sad as i am an aesthete [smell, taste, feel, sound all give me pleasure] [and dont forget the threads of stuff like purina bachelor kibble ideas :rolleyes:] I am fond of the slow foods movement 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/half_man_half_wit/32/21766_2.png) [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/75 "2009-09-17T11:26:45Z")
I’m also fond of slow foods – they’re easier to catch. (_ba-dum ching!_) ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/76 "2009-09-17T14:18:53Z")
> [@Emily\_Litella](#): > > We should be able to re-grow nerves, even if our internal spinal cord is broken. We should have stronger immune systems and our skin shouldn’t be able to get wrinkles or pimples so easily. I don’t have any, but why hemmorhoids? Who ever thought they were a good idea? I dunno about _stronger_ immune systems, but maybe _smarter_ ones? I mean, the old “work smarter, not harder” adage really oughta apply. Right now, the immune system has about the aim and accuracy of a drunken orangutan with an AK-47. Misses about as much bad stuff as it hits, and hits as much good stuff as bad. Allergies and other autoimmune disorders? Blame the orangutan. Our immune systems should work more like a highly-trained sniper with a high-powered rifle. One or two quick, accurate bursts, at exactly the desired target, at exactly the time and place needed, and no collateral damage. ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/77 "2009-09-17T15:51:06Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > I dunno about _stronger_ immune systems, but maybe _smarter_ ones? I mean, the old “work smarter, not harder” adage really oughta apply. > > Right now, the immune system has about the aim and accuracy of a drunken orangutan with an AK-47. Misses about as much bad stuff as it hits, and hits as much good stuff as bad. Allergies and other autoimmune disorders? Blame the orangutan. > > Our immune systems should work more like a highly-trained sniper with a high-powered rifle. One or two quick, accurate bursts, at exactly the desired target, at exactly the time and place needed, and no collateral damage. This would also resolve the allergy issue. It would be nice if you could retune your immune system when it gets it wrong: "Mango…Mango good…Mango not infestation, Mango friend ! " ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/78 "2009-09-17T20:54:25Z")
> [@Maiira](#): > > - > > -Bright colors (like purple, green, or blue) as natural hair colors. > > -The ability to change hair type without the aid of harsh chemicals and straighteners/curlers. I like these. A broader variety of eye colrs would be nice, too. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/79 "2009-09-17T21:03:14Z")
> [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](#): > > This would also resolve the allergy issue. It would be nice if you could retune your immune system when it gets it wrong: "Mango…Mango good…Mango not infestation, Mango friend ! " Or if you could tell your immune system “See, THAT is what an AIDS virus looks like. THAT is its molecular structure. KILL!” The ability to translate intellectual knowledge ( or images on a screen ) like that into something the immune system could use would be nice. Shape changing would be good, and I expect a slow version would be possible. The ability to tell your body “grow the cheekbones wider, lose the hair _ **there** _, grow some more _ **here** _, and more violet pigment in the irises.” Basically, controlling the natural processes of bodily growth to shape the body. ---
**Author:** ![akira5822](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/53a042/32.png) [@akira5822](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/akira5822)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116/80 "2009-09-17T22:14:36Z")
I want a prehensile tail, so i can scratch my own back. 😛 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-change-the-human-body/510116.md?page=5)