ANN ARBOR, MI — Mary Roach, a bestselling author known for her humorous approach to science, has taken an interest in cutting-edge heart research at the University of Michigan. Although not a scientist, Roach’s writing makes complex ideas easy to understand and entertaining.
Her latest book, “Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy,” dives into the world of potentially replacing human body parts with machines. It explores how modern technology might keep our organs alive outside the body.
Roach visited UM’s Extracorporeal Life Support Lab, which specializes in life-support technologies and organ transplants. During her visit, she witnessed a pig heart being kept alive with an external device, a process known as perfusion. Despite being outside its body, the heart continued to beat, sparking Roach’s imagination.
“Could we keep a heart alive for 24 or even 48 hours?” Roach pondered. She sees potential for this technology to preserve healthy organs for transplant, especially from athletic individuals whose hearts are in great shape.
Her insights reflect a larger trend in medical research. A 2023 study by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network revealed that nearly 39% of donated organs fail to be used, primarily due to logistical issues. Improving how we manage organ shelf life could be crucial in addressing this problem.
Roach aims to make science accessible. “It’s really cool science,” she said, emphasizing that people often view science as dull. Her book captures the thrill of research in a relatable way.
She credits her successful collaboration with Robert Bartlett, the lab’s director, who provided her access and guidance throughout her writing process. Roach shared her experience in the lab with readers, making science feel alive and relevant.
Her overarching theme remains: the human body is an intricate, beautiful machine. This perspective, honed through years of travel writing, allows her to blend narrative with science seamlessly.
Readers can expect a unique mixture of entertaining storytelling and scientific facts in her work. As Roach notes, “This is not a boring subject; it’s incredibly interesting and inspiring.”
Learn more about her latest book here.
