NEW ADVANCES BEING MADE IN THE MEDICAL FIELD: There are many new advances being made in the medical field everyday to help us lead better and healthier lives. These medical advances help doctors to diagnose illnesses better and help patients to recover faster. 1. Speeding DNA based diagnosis for newborns Time is the most important criteria for critically ill newborn babies. Many newborns who are admitted into the neonatal intensive care are generally suffering from an inherited genetic disease. Interpretation of the newborn’s genome to determine the genetic disease used to take weeks or even months. But now, thanks to the advanced sequencing technology and innovative software it takes just fifty hours to decode and interpret the newborn’s genome. 2. Hope for reversing autism Researchers claim that the Early Start Denver Model, which is an intensive linguistic and social program aimed at toddlers suffering from autism, can help in normalising their brain patterns. The children involved in this program for over two years have shown brain activity that is similar to normal children. The success rate of the ESDM program however rests on early intervention with trained counselors who can engage the toddlers with several hours of therapy every week. 3. Lab grown body parts Some body parts are not easily available for transplant like windpipes or trachea. But now, it is possible to regenerate organs using the patient’s own stem cells. This technique marks the future of regenerative medicine which is used to easily generate any type of cell or tissue. The problem of replacing organs can be diffused with this technique. 4. Human Genome Previously, scientists thought that most of the human genome that does not code for DNA as waste. But now, research has proved that these portions are actually the metabolic switches that regulate the way genes function. This discovery has led to more research to find out possible ways through which the metabolic switches can be used to cure and control diseases. 5. Bariatric surgery to control diabetes This surgery was traditionally offered as a solution for obesity. But it had been observed that Type 2 diabetes was also being cured among obese patients who had undergone bariatric surgery. It has also been observed that diabetic patients who underwent bariatric surgery were having better chances of curing their diabetes than patients who were receiving medications and lifestyle counseling. Bariatric surgery is now being seen as a potential cure for type 2 diabetes. 6. Mass Spectronomy to identify bacteria Identifying a bacterial infection is the most critical aspect to ensure the patient’s survival. The correct medication can be provided to the patient only after the bacteria strain has been identified correctly. Mass Spectronmy has made it possible to identify the bacteria strain within minutes. 7. Handheld optimal scanner for Melanoma Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. A handheld optical scan which uses advanced imaging technology for better detection of melanoma has been approved by the FDA. The device uses light of 10 different wavelengths which penetrate the suspicious areas of the skin for better detection. This handheld scanner also makes it easier for the doctor to check suspicious moles on the patient. The images recorded by the optimal scanner are compared with the archived images of melanoma and other skin cancers using computer software for correct detection. 8. Femtosecond laser surgery for cataract Cataract surgery is the most common eye surgery which improves vision. The latest development in this area is the bladeless technology which uses light pulses for more precise cataract surgery. The bladeless technology also ensures that there are lesser instances of eye inflammation. It also provides more stability to the doctor when planting an intraocular lens. 9. Mamography This new diagnostic technique approved by the FDA is also called as breast tomosynethesis. This technique can be performed along with the traditional mammogram to achieve better results. The x ray arm of the machine takes dozens of pictures by making an arc over the breast. These pictures are then merged to form a 3D image which is used for better cancer detection. 10. Fighting Paralysis with FES therapy Milos Popovic is the man behind FES therapy, which is a functional electric therapy in which low intensity electricity is applied in paralyzed limbs of patients in short pulses. This therapy helps in reprogramming the injured spinal cord making it able to produce commands that regulate muscle movements. This breakthrough has been a boon to several quadriplegics.
Posted on: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 19:50:57 +0000
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