After reading every study and statement by scientists I could get my hands on, even paying for papers, I’ve reached these two conclusions.
1. It seems surprisingly uncontroversial to say that we could probably introduce new growth plates into the long bones of animals. This would most likely involve seeding a collagen matrix with stem cells from growth plate cartilage, scraping off the diaphyseal shafts of a long bone, getting the matrix to adhere to the long bone, and stimulating it with growth hormone.
As someone with some science background, in principle this really doesn't sound all that far-fetched to do. The basic principles here have worked for other tissues. It seems like a lab with the resources could start animal studies tomorrow.
2. Despite vague statements in the CLL world, nobody is doing this research. The only ongoing research seems to focus on using stem cells to repair damaged growth plates in juvenile animals. Hadley-Miller is looking into stopping existing growth plates from becoming bone, for example.
Evidently researchers / investors just don't see the financial incentive to even try here. That’s surprising given the multibillion-dollar size of the CLL industry and its projected growth [https://www.sphericalinsights.com/reports/limb-leg-lengthening-surgery-market].
Possible solutions I'd be interested in discussing with any serious inquirer:
A. Creating a DAO that would pool money to invest, on behalf of the DAO owners, in any growth plate creation venture; or:
B. Probably less viable: creating a DAO that would raise funds to donate to research in growth plate creation.
Alternatively, if anyone knows of any old forum or community where I should post this, let me know. I wouldn’t expect any of the Reddits to be any help.
