The Top 10 Breakthroughs in 2017 Health News
Healthcare is going through a transformational phase, as technological advancements and research breakthroughs are changing the way we approach and solve health problems. 2017 has been a pivotal year regarding new findings and breakthroughs in the field of medicine. Several medical discoveries have emerged that have the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work, and treat disease.
Here are the top 10 breakthroughs for 2017 in health news.
1. Gene Editing
With the advent of CRISPR gene editing technology, science has finally unlocked the key to altering genes in a living being. In 2017, scientists in Oregon made a breakthrough by using CRISPR technology to genetically correct mutation in human embryos. This technology, once perfected, has the potential to treat genetic diseases like muscular dystrophy and sickle cell anaemia.
2. Personalized Nutrition
The Nutrition Scientist community has long understood that the one-size fits all approach to nutrition doesn’t work for everyone. New research is highlighting the role of personalized nutrition in optimizing our health outcomes. Our genetic makeup, gut microbiome, and lifestyle factors are unique to us, and personalized nutrition aims to tailor nutritional interventions to suit individual needs. This personalized approach to nutrition will help give people the best chance to improve their overall health.
3. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment, which harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. In 2017, the FDA approved a type of cancer immunotherapy that fights tumours with the help of a patient’s own genetically modified immune cells. This approach has shown promising results in treating aggressive forms of blood cancer.
4. Digital Health Technology
2017 has brought about significant growth in the digital healthcare field. Innovations such as wearable technology, telemedicine, and mobile health applications, are enabling patients to monitor their health with greater ease and accuracy. Smartwatches, for example, can detect irregular heartbeats with greater precision and accuracy. Telehealth services, such as video consultations for patients living in remote areas, are bridging the gap in healthcare access.
5. Precision Medicine
Precision medicine is another personalized approach to medicine that focuses on targeting treatments to an individual’s unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment. This tailor-made approach to healthcare will help patients receive the most suitable therapies for their unique health needs, resulting in better health outcomes.
6. Artificial Stem Cells
Researchers have made significant strides in synthesizing artificial stem cells, which can be used to repair damaged tissue in the body. This discovery could revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine, as artificial stem cells can be used to treat degenerative diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s, and ALS.
7. Next-Generation Sequencing
The ability to sequence an individual’s genome is not new, but Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology has made it more accessible. NGS refers to a new generation of DNA sequencing techniques that allow for faster and cheaper sequencing of genomes. This technology is making personalized medicine more accessible and is set to transform the future of health care.
8. Blockchain Technology
Blockchain is well-known as the backbone of cryptocurrencies, but it has the potential to transform healthcare data management as well. The technology can provide secure, decentralized access to medical records, which can be accessed by patients and healthcare providers alike. This is set to revolutionize patient privacy, clinical record-keeping, and data security infrastructure.
9. 3D Printing
3D printing has the potential to change the way medical professionals approach complex surgical procedures. Surgeons can now create 3D replicas of a patient’s anatomy before performing delicate surgeries, allowing for greater precision and accuracy. Bioprinting organs is another area where 3D printing is opening up doors for new innovations and applications.
10. Mind-Body Medicine
Exploring the connection between mind and body is one breakthrough that has gone unnoticed for too long. Recent research has highlighted the mind’s power to help treat physical ailments. Mindfulness, meditation, and other mind-body techniques are being used to tackle conditions such as chronic pain and depression. We are increasingly understanding the intricate and powerful connection between our minds and bodies.
Conclusion
These breakthroughs in healthcare continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. We are beginning to unlock the secrets of diseases that have plagued humankind for generations. With advances in technology and an increasing focus on prevention and personalized medicine, we are set to progress even further in 2018. It is an exciting time to be in healthcare, and we are eagerly looking ahead to what the future holds.
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