If you are still in doubt that the future is already here, just look around you – notice the smartwatch on your wrist, artificial intelligence in just about every industry and self-parking cars. As technology and science are developing at such a fast pace, rest assured that medical breakthroughs will be occurring almost on a daily basis. However, what are some of the biggest medical advancements in recent years that are changing how medical conditions are treated?
To answer this question, here are some of the most stupefying medical developments that have occurred in the last 10 years.
Gene Therapy
One of the most exciting medical advances recently is the development of gene therapy technology for treating blood cancer conditions like leukemia. Research has revealed that gene therapy can also be used to reverse other cancer types, including breast cancer. This therapy holds a lot of promise as it may be a critical component in the elimination of conventional treatment methods like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation one day.
In fact, gene therapy has already been used to cure a patient with sickle cell, meaning that this technology is a likely way of combating genetic diseases as well. Therapy is already in use for treating age-related symptoms. This means that gene therapy has the potential of slowing the human aging process by combating stem cell and muscle mass depletion.
3D Printing
If using technology to tap into the fountain of youth sounds like a fantasy, wait until you see what a printer can do today. The consumer goods and manufacturing sector is already using 3D printing to create products. However, did you know there are scientists who have already created the first human body part using 3D printers?
Cornell University researchers printed out an outer ear that looks and feels like the real thing, back in 2013. MIT and University of Pennsylvania researchers have successfully reproduced blood vessels. In addition, a company is now ready to make the first transplant of a 3D printed partial liver in 2020.
Treatments For Gut Bacteria
With the development in understanding how gut bacteria influences the rest of the body, breakthroughs in this medical niche are shaping how they are treated. Scientists have discovered a mix of microbes or bacteria in the digestive system that could even affect how the brain functions and the way you think. Research also demonstrates a possible link between the gut bacteria in your body and obesity – something you can discuss with a tummy tuck Henderson | abdominoplasty specialist, for example.
The medical world is just starting to understand how much influence gut bacteria has on the human health. One day, gut bacteria may be used in the treatment of diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Heart Treatment Hormones
Here is good news for patients at risk of heart diseases or failure. Around 40% of hospitalized serious heart problem patients do not live beyond 12 months after hospitalization, but a new drug is in the making that will drastically improve these odds. The synthetic version of the relaxin hormone, serelaxin, is improving survival rates among heart patients by about 37%.
Conclusion
According to Corpina, another medical breakthrough that deserves special mention is the development of effective “smart drugs” or nootropics. These four developments only touch the surface of some of the most incredible medical breakthroughs in the past 10 years. These advances are a clear indicator that when humans come together and work towards a single purpose, they have the potential to engineer a healthier, brighter future for everyone.
Author Bio:
Tabitha Gits
Tabitha Gits is a super-connector with ManageBacklinks.io who helps businesses with building their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. Tabitha frequently writes about the latest advancements in the SaaS world and digital marketing.