The world is fast changing. We have new medicines, safer techniques to perform procedures, and more reliable ways to detect health conditions.
In this article, we’ll have a look at some of the most stunning breakthroughs in medicine in recent times:
COVID-19 Vaccine
The universe came to a standstill in 2020 when Covid spread throughout the world and affected millions of people.
People waited with bated breaths for a vaccine and we finally got one about a year later thanks to companies like Oxford and AstraZeneca.
Today, there are dozens of Covid vaccines and while they all claim to be effective, not all are approved for use.
One of the most popular vaccines is the one developed by AstraZeneca in association with the University of Oxford.
Said to be highly effective and safe, this and other Covid vaccines played a great role in making this world a safer place. However, Covid vaccines are highly controversial.
Some are linked to blood clots, an increased risk of complications during pregnancy, and other side effects.
Moreover, some groups are against these vaccines and believe that they’re a part of a large conspiracy. Nonetheless, we cannot neglect the fact that the Covid vaccine has changed people’s lives for good.
Covid passports are now a reality and most countries will not allow you to cross the border unless you’re vaccinated and carrying proof.
Furthermore, many public places, including museums, parks, and schools, have similar requirements.
TOPS System
Introduced to the world by Premia Spine TOPS is a vertebrae support system that solves back issues like spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis.
The journey to develop the system started in 2003 when a group of surgeons and engineers got together to solve the ‘back problem’.
They achieved it 15 years later and introduced the world to the TOPS Lumbar Motion Device that’s proven to be safe and affordable.
It helps patients avoid fusion surgery and recover faster without having to deal with the side effects of having to undergo surgery.
The system consists of an implant that stabilizes the spine and alleviates pain stemming from back issues. Most patients report immediate pain relief post-surgery with little to no restrictions.
The TOPS Lumbar Motion Device is considered revolutionary as it is one of the safest options to treat complicated back issues.
About 80 percent of people suffer from some kind of back issue. Said to be more common among older individuals, back problems are now being reported by younger people as well due to their habit of using the computer for hours, not lifting weights properly, etc.
Single Dose Breast Cancer Treatment
Researchers at University College London introduced the world to a revolutionary breast cancer treatment in 2020 that may soon replace conventional methods.
Funded by the NIHR’s Health Technology Assessment Programme and Cancer Research UK, the study included 32 hospitals based in ten countries.
According to the team, this new method only takes about 30 minutes and is as effective as traditional methods.
Called Target Intraoperative Radiotherapy (TARGIT-IORT), this treatment is delivered right after tumor removal.
It serves as both radiation treatment and surgery at once and uses a tiny ball that is placed inside the breast.
The ball contains a single dose and provides immediate results. On the other hand, conventional methods can take up to 6 weeks and require daily treatment.
The method has a success rate of 97.4 percent, the same as traditional treatment options for breast cancer.
Furthermore, this method comes without the side effects of radiation and might prove to be a game changer.
We believe that this treatment method will make the world a better place and help save lives. Breast cancer is a major problem around the world.
More than 264,000 breast cancer cases are reported among women in the country per year. Moreover, 2,400 men are diagnosed with the condition per year in the US.
About 500 men and 42,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer die each year due to the condition. Once this treatment becomes more common, we’re sure it will help bring the number down.
Obesity Medication
Obesity is a major problem impacting more than a billion people worldwide. It refers to being excessively overweight and comes with several side effects, including an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, back issues, and more.
Scientists are working to find quicker and safer ways to solve the problem, especially for individuals who cannot make lifestyle changes.
They reached a breakthrough in 2014 when a new obesity drug hit the market. Called Semaglutide, this incredible medicine is FDA-approved and known to be highly efficient
It is s 100 percent more effective than other obesity drugs on the market, according to Robert Kushner, a researcher at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Furthermore, scientific evidence suggests that it helps obese individuals lose up to 15 percent of their body weight – nearly 12 percent higher than what traditional medicines offer.
Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease is a serious condition that impacts more than 5.8 people in the US.
Unfortunately, there is no way to treat the problem and it is usually too late to identify it; however, thanks to a breakthrough, it is now possible to detect the problem with the help of a blood test.
Randall Bateman, a neurologist working at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis worked with a team of doctors and scientists to create the world’s first blood test for Alzheimer’s.
Introduced to the world in 2017 and called PrecivityAD, the test has proven to be highly effective and accurate.
Experts believe that it may replace traditional methods, including positron emission tomography (PET) scan, known for being very complex and costly.
These are some of the most impactful scientific achievements in recent times.
The industry is fast evolving, we’re already using AI to perform procedures in the operating room and all eyes are now on lab-grown organs that may soon hit the market.
Follow this space for the latest on changing technology in medicine.
Jean Smith is a fitness enthusiast and blogger who focuses on fitness and a healthy lifestyle. She is passionate about assisting people in living healthier lifestyles and is constantly on the lookout for new and creative methods to stay fit and healthy. Her articles are excellent resources for anyone interested in improving their health and fitness.