The Latest Health News of 2018: Promising Discoveries and Innovations
In recent years, the medical world has made several noteworthy strides in the research and development of various health solutions. 2018, in particular, has been a groundbreaking year with numerous promising discoveries and innovations. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the most significant medical breakthroughs of 2018 that have the potential to revolutionize healthcare as we know it.
1. Gene Editing
One of the most exciting medical breakthroughs of 2018 was gene editing, using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. This technology can alter the DNA of a living organism, and it has been used to treat genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia and certain types of cancer. While the technology is still in its infancy, gene editing has the potential to bring about significant changes in the field of medicine.
2. Immunotherapy
Another noteworthy discovery of 2018 has been in the field of immunotherapy. Before this year, patients diagnosed with the most advanced forms of cancer had no hope of survival. However, with the advent of immunotherapy, there is now a glimmer of hope. Immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. Recently, FDA-approved immunotherapies like Yervoy, Opdivo, and Keytruda have proven to be effective in treating advanced forms of melanoma, lung cancer, and other types of cancers.
3. Wearable Medical Devices
Wearable technology has been around for a while, but only in recent years has it become capable of monitoring vitals and diagnosing illnesses. Wearable technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by moving diagnoses and preventative care away from hospitals and into the home. The most noteworthy wearable device of 2018 is the ECG app developed by Apple, which can detect heart abnormalities with impressive accuracy.
4. Brain-Computer Interfaces
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are medical devices that allow individuals to control a computer or a prosthetic limb using only their thoughts. Recent advancements in BCI technology have allowed paralyzed patients to control robotic limbs, which could lead to recovering some of their independence. BCIs could potentially help stroke and accident victims, who have lost mobility and can’t perform basic movements such as lifting a glass of water.
5. Connected Health
Connected health is the technology that’s helping doctors to keep track of their patients’ health remotely. This technology has become more prevalent in recent years and was one of the most vital medical breakthroughs in 2018. Connected health solutions help to detect and identify early signs of chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma from a distance. Philips created the Health Watch, a device that tracks vitals in real-time and monitors your health remotely.
Conclusion
The latest health news of 2018 has brought with it some groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. These medical breakthroughs are poised to change the healthcare landscape in unprecedented ways, giving us hope for a better future for all. From gene-editing to brain-computer interfaces, wearable medical devices, and connected health, the future looks bright for healthcare. We look forward to seeing more advancements in 2019 and beyond.
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