We’ve seen a lot of people celebrating that 2016 is finally at an end. However, despite the many difficulties throughout the year, we have a lot to be grateful for. Life changing medicines, technology, and medical advances have not only saved many lives but have also improved our quality of life as well.
Here are the top 5 medical breakthroughs of 2016
Wireless brain sensors
Scientists and doctors teamed up to create a wireless device that can monitor the pressure and temperature of the brain from the inside. The best part? After the sensor finishes its job, it is absorbed in the body and dissolved. This process allows the patient to avoid further potentially dangerous brain surgeries.
Three-dimensional printed body parts
3-D printing has become popular over the last couple of months. However, many people don’t realize that this machine is being used for more than just printing plastic replicas or toys. Scientists have used specially designed 3-D printers to print with living tissue cells. They have also used these printers to create replacement body parts, implants, and joints.
Improved Testing for Pregnancies
In previous years, to test for Edwards Syndrome and Down syndrome in babies, doctors had to acquire cells from the fetus. This added an extra risk for both the mother and baby. However, in the last year medical advances made it possible for doctors to find the necessary information through samples found in the mother’s blood, removing much of the risk.
A tougher antibiotic
For the first time in 30 years a new antibiotic was discovered. The new drug is extremely powerful and can fight off fatal infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Not only that but according to the Reader’s Digest, this drug is “highly unlikely to lead to drug resistance.” Its name is Teixobactin and was discovered by scientists at the University of Bonn and Northeastern University in Boston.
Virtual Reality for Medical Students
Virtual reality isn’t just for gamers. In fact, medical students now use this technology to help them get realistic experience without having to stay at a hospital. This new technique will provide future doctors with better training before they even hit the market. With more experienced doctors comes better healthcare.
Technology has played a large part in the improvement of medicine and healthcare over the last year, and it’s only going to get better. Scientists and doctors are constantly teaming up to make new and innovative advances. What do you think they will discover in 2017?
If you have any questions feel free to stop in. Our doctors understand the latest scientific advances to hit the market, and they can help you find answers and solutions to all of your questions.