Alzheimer’s Disease Detection
This is a progressive neurological disorder that is incurable
and characterized by plaques and tangles in the brain. So
far, these plaques and tangles could be seen only during an
autopsy, but through a recent imaging technique, a new radioactive
molecular imaging compound called AV-45 is injected to the
patient and this compound binds to the plaques in the brain.
Afterwards, a PET (positron emission tomography) scan will
show these dyed plaques. This may be very helpful for the
doctors in the early detection of the disease as early as
10 years before the symptoms develop and thus prevent the
patients and their families from the devastating effects of
AD.
Bio-Printer
Bio-printing would replace skin grafting, the painful procedure.
How is it done? The Bio-Printer device contains a laser that
scans the patient’s wound to measure its dimensions.
Then a computer controls the release of skin cells, which
are sprayed directly onto the wound. This has been tested
on mice with faster healing results. The printer needs skin
cell refills and one’s own skin cells can be grown and
multiplied in the lab itself.
Brain Cancer Vaccine
Experimental vaccine is being developed by scientists for
brain cancer (glioblastoma). Normally, the surgeons can excise
99% of this brain tumor, but the left over few cancer cells
can multiply and become resistant to treatment. This vaccine
is developed from the same cells of the removed tumor, but
placed with protein to fight tumor cells.
Cure
for Hepatitis C
Oral antiviral drugs and injectable interferon for 6 months
to 1 year was the only treatment for Hep C so far. Liver transplant
alone cured the disease completely until now. Two new drugs
for Hepatitis-C have been discovered: Telaprevir and Boceprevir.
(protease inhibitors), which work by hindering an enzyme that
helps the Hepatitis C virus replicate itself and multiply.
Clinical trials show the cure rates with these drugs are higher
than those with standard therapy. Telaprevir and Boceprevir
now await FDA approval. They may revolutionize the Hep C treatment.
Endoscopic
weight loss procedure
Transoral Gastroplasty (TOGA), the newest procedure is an
incision-less option for bariatric surgery, TOGA uses two
flexible endoscopes to pass instruments through the mouth,
reducing the size of the stomach to a small pouch.
First
cancer vaccine approved by the FDA
An outcome of 15 years of research is Provenge (Sipuleucel-T).
This prostate cancer vaccine does not cure metastatic prostate
cancer, but it can prolong the lives of patients as it induces
immune response. Though costly treatment, it might be beneficial
to patient if administered early in the treatment process.
Heart
disease in healthy individuals too
The research called JUPITER (Justification for the Use of
Statins in Primary Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating
Rosuvastatin) showed that heart disease can develop in people
with low-to-normal levels of bad cholesterol or LDL and if
they have a high level of C-reactive protein levels, a biomarker
of inflammation, suggestion is to give anti-cholesterol drug
or statin to these individuals. The study says, this finding
helps in preventing heart diseases in people who are otherwise
unaware of their risks considering that about 400,000 Americans
who had their first heart attacks had cholesterol levels within
normal range.
Magic
Mirror
Our vital signs like pulse, respiration and blood pressure
are measured either manually or by attaching sensors to our
body, but for burn victims or newborns, this may become impossible.
Now there is a solution. A graduate student Ming-Zher Poh
from Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology Program has
found a software whereby putting a person in front of a low-cost
camera such as a laptop computer’s built-in webcam,
these indicators can be measured, The system can be built
in a mirror and people can easily track their health everyday
looking at the mirror. Now, the most crucial blood pressure
part is being worked upon.
Multi-drug
resistant bacterial infections
No worries hereafter. Researchers from the University of Nottingham
in the UK have found that the brains of cockroaches and locusts
have powerful antibiotic properties and are able to kill more
than 90 percent of bacteria that are often deadly to humans,
including methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus (MRSA)
and pathogenic Escherichia coli without harming human cells.
Type
2 diabetes is reversible
The study made by experts at Newcastle University claims that
by sticking to a very low-calorie diet (liquid and non-starchy
food) for 8 weeks, the body can be made to produce its own
insulin and within the first one week itself people had their
blood sugar level returned to normal.. The study thus suggests
that a dramatic drop in calorie intake will reduce the fat
in the pancreas and liver, which is the reason behind lack
of insulin secretion that is vital for blood sugar control.
Watch the Video: Additional Health News you must know
"A
man went in for a brain transplant operation and
was offered a choice of two brains by the surgeon.
He could choose either a teacher’s brain which
would cost him $10,000 or a politician’s which
would cost $100,000.
“Does that mean that the politician’s brain is
much better than the teachers’?” asked the clearly
puzzled man.
“No, not exactly.” replied the surgeon, “The politician’s
has never been used so it’s almost like new.”
Disclaimer: The above content is provided
for information and awareness purpose only. It is not prescriptive
or suggestive or meant to replaces your qualified physician's
advice or consultation.
