growing taller potential studies

lobotomize

Recent Height-Growth Breakthroughs (2024–2025)

1. Portable Mechanical Micro-Loading Device (February 2025)

Source
Zhang, Zhengpei (2025). Effects of mechanical load/stress on bone growth.
Karolinska Institutet — Doctoral Thesis.

Overview

This Swedish research represents a paradigm shift in non-surgical limb lengthening, replacing surgical distraction with dynamic lateral mechanical loading.

Technology

Portable, computer-controlled mechatronic device
Applies low-frequency mechanical force (~0.4 N)
Targeted to joint and growth-plate regions

Key Results

Femur growth increase: ~+4.0 mm compared to controls (biological models)
Site-specific response:
- Long bones (femur): accelerated growth
- Smaller bones (metatarsals): different remodeling response

Biological Mechanism

Identified PTGS2 (COX-2) as the primary regulatory gene
Mechanical loading activates:
- CD73⁺ skeletal stem cells
- PTHrP⁺ growth-plate stem niches
Causal proof: Pharmacological PTGS2 inhibition eliminated the growth effect

Interpretation:
Mechanical micro-loading “tricks” dormant skeletal stem cells into accelerated endochondral bone formation.

The Machine

Reciprocating Linear Actuator Kit (~$70)

Search Amazon for:
“Reciprocating Linear Actuator 12V with Speed Controller and Power Adapter”

Why this is no-engineering:
Comes fully assembled with a wall power plug and an attached speed knob. No wiring required.

Target spec:
Rated around 50 RPM (≈ 0.77 Hz).

The Holder

USB Microscope Focus Stand (~$35)

Search Amazon for:
“Adjustable Microscope Stand Focus Bracket”

Why this is no-engineering:
Ready-to-use metal stand with a large adjustment knob for slow vertical movement.
The motor slides into the microscope ring and is secured with a screw.

The Precision

Digital Jewelry Scale + Calibration Weights (~$25)

Search Amazon for:
“Digital Milligram Scale 50g”
“Chrome Calibration Weight Set”

Why this is no-engineering:
Force is set physically, not electronically.
Taping a 40 g weight to the motor shaft caps the applied force at ~0.4 N (“gravity-locked”).

Setup (≈ 5 Minutes)
Step 1: Mount

Slide the motor into the microscope stand.

Tighten the screw.

Step 2: Calibrate Frequency (Speed)

Plug the unit into the wall.

Open a metronome app or website.

Set it to 46 BPM.

Turn the speed knob until the actuator strokes match the metronome beats.

Step 3: Calibrate Force

Tape the 40 g calibration weight to the motor tip.

Place the jewelry scale under the tip.

Use the stand’s large knob to lower the motor slowly.

Adjust until the scale briefly reads ~40.00 g at the lowest point of contact.

Step 4: Run

Replace the scale with the bone sample (or position the subject under the stand).

Begin the experiment.

2. Probiotic Height-Velocity Breakthrough: B. lactis BL-11 (July 2025)

Source
Wang, Q., et al. (2025).
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL-11 promotes height growth in children.
Clinical Nutrition

Study Design

Participants: 124 children (ages 3–7)
Baseline: 3rd–25th height percentiles
Intervention: 30 billion CFU/day BL-11 probiotic
Duration: 90 days

Quantitative Outcomes

Height Velocity (HV):
- Baseline: <5 cm/year
- Observed: +2.23 cm in 3 months
- Annualized rate: 8.92 cm/year
Percentile Improvement:
- 55.88% of children shifted from P3–P10 → P10–P25 within 90 days

Why the Effect Persists

Modulates the gut–bone axis
Increases:
- Systemic IGF-1
- Mineral and nutrient absorption
Produces true linear bone deposition, not transient swelling or posture effects

Significance:
First controlled human trial showing direct height acceleration via microbiome modulation.

3. Non-Invasive PEMF Growth-Plate Stimulation (2021–2025 Validation)

Source
Sung, et al. Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation on Growth Plates.
MDPI / Applied Sciences

Protocol

Frequency: 28 Hz
Field strength: 20 Gauss
Target: Proximal tibial growth plate

Results

Growth-plate length: +25.6% vs control
Serum IGF-1: +13.6%
Chondrocyte mitosis: +192% relative to controls

Safety Profile

No increase in:
- Cortisol
- Cellular mutations
Supports home-based, non-invasive use

Mechanism

PEMF accelerates chondrocyte proliferation, thickening the growth plate and enabling greater longitudinal bone elongation.

Comparative Summary of Non-Surgical Approaches

Method	Primary Driver	Quantified Result	Core Mechanism
Mechanical Micro-Loading	Mechatronic lateral force	+4.0 mm (target bone)	PTGS2 activation & skeletal stem cells
B. lactis BL-11	30B CFU/day probiotic	+8.92 cm/year HV	Gut–bone axis & IGF-1 elevation
PEMF Stimulation	28 Hz / 20 Gauss	+25.6% plate length	Chondrocyte mitosis acceleration

Astragalus extract has also been shown to help

sunsunsun

@lobotomize ok this Is actually fun to read

engineer

Why is there such a fuss about getting taller, it actually hurts you cardiovascularly because the heart has to work harder to pump blood higher

lobotomize

@engineer There are actually tons of studies showing that taller and more attractive people have more success in their careers. It’s a biological signal of health and dominance. That’s even where the saying "looking down on peopl" comes from (the idea that you're literally and figuratively above everyone else)

engineer

@lobotomize well let me put it this way, career success might get you more money, but your health is priceless.

Same idea with expensive foods/supplements

lobotomize

@engineer Saying that being tall isn’t worth it because it might increase cardiovascular risk, while ignoring that height can statistically, socially, and economically improve career outcomes and make dating easier, thereby reducing chronic stress.

is like saying T3 is bad because it might possibly, theoretically, under certain assumptions, in rare edge cases, according to some interpretations, allegedly reduce longevity

jamezb46

@lobotomize

Why would anyone do all that BS when they can just take aromatase inhibitors as a teenager?

If you're an adult and you're not tall, sucks to suck