7 Medical Advancements to Watch in 2014
3D Printing in Medicine
From creating artificial ears to printing skin cells directly onto wounds, 3D printing is revolutionizing the field of medicine. Scientists are even working on printing a human liver for drug research.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy, which involves modifying a person’s genes to fight diseases, has shown promise in treating leukemia and breast cancer. Researchers are now investigating its potential for treating early stages of cancer without the need for surgery or radiation.
Gut Bacteria
The gut microbiome, the collection of bacteria residing in our digestive tract, is gaining attention for its role in various health conditions. Studies have linked gut bacteria to obesity, gastrointestinal diseases, and even cancer.
Cancer Immunotherapy
Cancer immunotherapy is a groundbreaking treatment that harnesses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. New drugs are being developed that empower the immune system to break through the protective shield that tumor cells create.
Bionic Eye
Last year, a California company received FDA approval to market a bionic eye that provides some level of vision to people with retinitis pigmentosa. The device captures images and transmits them wirelessly to an implant in the retina.
Face Transplant
Full face transplants, once considered impossible, are now becoming more feasible. Researchers have discovered that blood vessels in the patient’s face reorganize themselves, allowing surgeons to perform the complex operation more quickly and reduce complications.
Wearable Health Tech
Wearable devices that track health metrics, such as steps, sleep, and calories, are becoming increasingly popular. The next generation of wearable health tech will focus on gathering data that is more meaningful to doctors and transmitting it directly to their offices.
Advanced Wearable Devices
The AIRO wristband uses a spectrometer to detect nutrients released into the bloodstream, providing insights into dietary intake. Another device, TellSpec, analyzes the chemical composition of food in real time.
Additional Insights
- Gut bacteria may influence brain function and affect the risk of developing asthma.
- The U.S. government is developing regulations for face and hand transplant donations.
- Transplantation experts urge informed consent for face transplants to avoid discouraging donations of other organs.
- Wearable health tech is expanding to include remote stethoscopes and devices that monitor personal behavior.