“Top 10 Shocking Health News of 2015 That You Need to Know”
The year of 2015 had many surprising developments in the health industry. From breakthrough research to unexpected medical breakthroughs, here are the top 10 shocking health news of 2015 that you need to know.
1. Zika Virus
Zika virus was one of the top stories of 2015. This disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, was first discovered in Uganda in 1947. However, it was not until 2015 when it hit the headlines globally. The virus, which spread mainly in Brazil and other neighboring countries, can cause serious birth defects, including microcephaly.
2. Surgeons performing double penis transplant
It might sound bizarre, but it is true! In 2015, a team of doctors performed the world’s first double penis transplant. The operation was done at Massachusetts General Hospital, and it gave hope to people who suffered from genital injuries or congenital abnormalities.
3. Artificial pancreas
The artificial pancreas was developed in 2015 to help people suffering from Type 1 diabetes. This device combines an automated glucose monitor with an insulin pump, allowing people to avoid the need for regular insulin injections. The device is still in the development phase, but it offers hope for millions of people living with Type 1 diabetes.
4. HIV ‘cure’
In 2015, a second person was reported to have been ‘cured’ of HIV. The treatment involved a bone marrow transplant from a donor who was immune to the virus. While the treatment is not suitable for everyone living with HIV, it offers hope for the development of a reliable cure.
5. Weight loss surgery
Research from New Zealand showed promising results for a new type of weight loss surgery. The study showed that the procedure, which sees a small part of the stomach being removed, could help to control hunger and reduce the risk of diabetes and other obesity-related conditions.
6. The link between sugar and cancer
In 2015, researchers found a link between sugar and cancer. Studies showed that cancer cells feed on sugar, and that cutting back on sugar could help to starve cancer cells. The study was not conclusive but offered clues for researchers in finding a cure for cancer.
7. PTSD breakthrough
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that affects many people, particularly those who have experienced traumatic events. In 2015, researchers developed a new treatment that showed significant improvements in people with PTSD. Using virtual reality therapy, the treatment allowed patients to relive traumatic events in a controlled environment, helping them to overcome their symptoms over time.
8. The CRISPR breakthrough
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) is a gene-editing tool that has revolutionized the medical industry. In 2015, scientists used CRISPR to edit human embryos, raising ethical concerns. However, the development opened up the possibility of using CRISPR to treat genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.
9. The importance of the gut microbiome
Research in 2015 showed that the gut microbiome (the collection of microbes that live in our gut) could have a significant impact on our health. Studies suggested that these microbes could be linked to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer. The research offered doctors a new understanding of how to treat these conditions by altering the bacteria living in our guts.
10. Smoking health benefits
Finally, in 2015, a study came out that showed that smoking has health benefits. However, it’s worth noting that the study was not suggesting that people should take up smoking, but rather, it was highlighting that nicotine could have a positive effect on cognitive function, particularly in people with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia.
In conclusion, 2015 was an exciting year for the health industry, with many groundbreaking news stories that offered hope for millions of people around the world. While some of the stories highlighted above are still in development, they open up a world of possibilities for how we treat illness and disease in the future.
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